Fulham Streamside Reserve - Indigenous Flora and Fauna ...

Fulham Streamside Reserve 

An 860 ha woodland frontage to the Glenelg River 

10 km north of Balmoral 

Rod Bird 

April 2011 

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Cover picture 

Showy Podolepis (Podolepis jaceiodes) at Fulham in the spring of 2006, 

following the fire of January 2005 

Report for Hamilton Field Naturalists Club 

o Historical background to the Fulham Streamside Reserve 

o Flora list of AC Beauglehole, with new records from HFNC to 2009 

o Bird list to 2010 

o Excursion report 2005 

o Weed control work report 2006 





o Submission to VEAC 2009 

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Fulham Streamside Reserve on the Glenelg River near Balmoral 

Rod Bird 

Fulham Streamside Reserve occupies 860 ha, fronting the Glenelg River for some 6 km in the north of 

the Parish of Balmoral, approximately 10 km N of Balmoral. 

Traditional uses of the reserve have included forestry (Red Gum and Yellow Gum sleepers, posts and 

poles), firewood gathering, grazing, shooting (ducks and kangaroos), fishing (although the salinity 

levels now may be too high), picnicking, camping along the river (especially at Easter time and school 

holiday periods), driving recreational vehicles along the tracks and through the bush, and enjoyment of 

nature (walking, birdwatching, looking at wildflowers). Most of these activities have been 

unregulated and unsupervised, but timber cutting, firewood removal and grazing are no longer 

permitted and Parks Victoria now control the reserve. In April 1986, HFNC, WVCC and others 

successfully opposed a move by the former Shire of Wannon to strip gravel from the SE corner of the 

reserve. 

The geology is a complex of Aeoleon sands (a high vegetated dune of Lowan Sand in the east and 

lower sediments in the west), Ordovician schist/gneiss (with rocky outcrops by the river at the eastern 

end) and Tertiary shallow marine sandstone/siltstone elsewhere. The gravelly parts in the southern 

edge support Brown Stringbark (Eucalyptus baxteri); the extensive flats adjacent to the river have 

Yellow Gum (E. leucoxylon), River Red Gum (E. camaldulensis) and Yellow Box (E. melliodora); the 

sand dune supports a stand of Slender Cypress (Callitris gracillis); and the wet/saline seeps have 

Mallee Honey-myrtle (Melaleauca neglecta) as the only shrub. 

Collectively, these soils support a grassy-woodland/heathy-woodland of particular botanic significance 

and beauty. The reserve is, without doubt, one of the best repositories of botanic diversity in the 

region, although badly compromised by weed invasion along the river (weeds including Sparaxis 

bulbifera) and the impact of broad-scale spraying to control an agricultural weed, Cape Tulip. The 

greater southern portion of the reserve remains relatively free of weeds, although African Weed 

Orchid “arrived” there in 2006, and efforts must be made to keep that weed-free. 

Apart from its floristic value, this reserve is a critical “stepping stone” of native vegetation between 

the Black Range/Rocklands/Grampians reserves and the remnant flora blocks of Little Youngs State 

Forest and Jilpanger Flora Reserve to the NW, and the Arapiles-Tooan SP further north. It is a vital 

“corridor” for the movement of birds, particularly given the presence of water in the reserve. 

The Land Conservation Council (LCC) engaged Portland botanist Cliff Beauglehole in Oct.-Nov. 

1975 to carry out a botanical survey of this area (among many other areas of Crown land), then known 

as the Kanagulk State Forest. He performed the survey in Oct.-Nov. 1975, listing 257 species, but 

time did not permit an exploration of the NE corner. 

The LCC recommended in their final report of May 1982 (South Western Area District 2) “that it be 

gazetted as the Kanagulk Streamside Reserve, and that grazing be withdrawn (at least temporarily) 

from the reserve”. The Government accepted the recommendation but despite this change of status it 

was still being grazed – and degraded – by sheep in 1987. HFNC‟s submission to the LCC had 

supported their proposal in the preliminary report, while stating that “in view of the floristic values we 

believe that a stronger stance should have been taken on the issue of grazing in the area”. HFNC 

made the point that “grazing here cannot be said to be a management tool to decrease fire hazard – 

indeed the area needs a fire to rejuvenate it. There is no evidence of fire occurring there for at least 

20 years and probably more – now there is simply no fine fuel to carry a fire”. 

Flora 

Cliff Beauglehole was greatly impressed with the native flora and in 1984 he strongly recommended 

that it become a Flora Reserve (see Beauglehole 1984). He re-visited and examined the NE area on 16 

June 1984 and added 41 species to the list, the total for the reserve then being 299 species (242 native 

species and 57 exotics). Further species were noted in visits on 9 & 24 August 1987, then 1 October, 

1 November, 7 November 1989, and 21 January 1990 – the tally being 353 sp. (279 native & 74 alien). 

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HFNC has added further species to the list in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 (see Table 1); the total in 

September 2007 being 414, with 87 exotic and 324 native species. 

Beauglehole noted in 1984 the following: 

Sheep ranged over the entire area, spreading exotic weeds and preventing regeneration of native 

species, among which were 8 rare and endangered in Victoria, 72 species with isolated 

occurrences in the Portland Region of Dept. Cons. Forests & Lands, 53 species typically from 

northern parts of Victoria, and 15 species present only in saline areas. 

Salting was a significant problem in the central area – the effect of grazing sheep was to prevent 

regeneration of trees which might help contain the problem, however the main cause had been 

the ill-advised clearing of the catchment block immediately to the south of the reserve. 

Gully and sheet erosion was also a significant problem and a danger to the conservation value of 

the reserve. Livestock grazing and unregulated vehicular traffic (day visitors, campers, 

fishermen, recreational 4WD driving and trail bikes) contributed substantially to the problem. 

There were 12 serious exotic weed species that should be controlled or eradicated before they 

extensively damaged the native flora status of the reserve. 

The Western Victoria Conservation Committee, of which Cliff was Chairman and Hilda Beauglehole, 

Leila Huebner, John Cleary, Hilary Turner, Andrew Pritchard, Carolyn Hodges and Rod Bird were 

members, agitated for many years to have grazing removed. Following the first visit to the Reserve by 

the committee on 9 August 1987 several articles in local newspapers and assistance of departmental 

officers (Trevor Ritchie and others), grazing licenses were finally cancelled in late 1987. 

Visits by the committee in 1 October 1989, 21 January 1990 and 11 November 1990 confirmed that 

“there were now tens of thousands of seedlings of the four eucalypt species present” (before grazing 

was removed there was no regeneration). There was regeneration of the regionally rare Callitris 

gracillis outside of the fenced enclosure on Pine Ridge and Melaleuca neglecta in the saline flats. 

Allocasuarina verticillata and Allocasuarina luehmannii, was also regenerating, having been virtually 

eliminated from the reserve by past management practices. 

A fire in January 2005 was started in the NW corner of the reserve, at a camp site by the river. It was 

not acted upon in time to prevent a great deal of damage to the reserve, with many of the large, old 

eucalypts in the western half of the reserve being severely damaged, burned down or bulldozed later. 

That was a very serious loss and could have been averted by earlier action to extinguish fires in 

burning trees but, as acknowledged later by a DSE Fire Controller from Horsham, that has not been an 

operational practice of either DSE or the CFA. After criticism by HFNC of preventable damage there 

and in the Black Range (Bird 2006), DSE changed its approach in at least one case. That example 

relates to events at Bryans Swamp after the fire of 30 November 2006, where DSE prevented about 

100 old trees from being bulldozed (see Victoria Point Fire – Bryan Swamp Horsham Fire District 

Fire 44 2006/07 Season. A case study (DSE and CFA). 

One positive from the fire of January 2005 at Fulham was a spectacular fire-induced flowering of 

grassland and heathland species, with several “new” species apparent. Red-beak Orchids were thick in 

parts, with up to 200 plants per square metre seen between the river bend and the track at the SW end. 

Lilies and orchids were abundant across the grassland areas on both sides of the track leading from 

Edgewood Rd to the river. 

Fauna 

Mammals 

Eastern Grey Kangaroo (Macropus giganteus), Red-necked Wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus) and 

Black Wallaby (Wallabia bicolor) occur in the reserve. Grey Kangaroos are present in quite large 

numbers but the Red-necked Wallaby appears now to be less common than the Black Wallaby. A 

Black Wallaby was first seen in October 1987 (Bird 1992) and may now be displacing the Red-necked 

Wallaby. A few of the latter were seen in April 2006 and Sept. 2008, but not in the same areas where 

Black Wallabies were seen. 

In 2006 a Sugar Glider (Petaurus breviceps) tail was found beneath a Yellow Box tree in the SW 

section of the reserve. Brush-tail Possum (Trichosurus vulpecular) are common, while the Ring-tailed 

Possum (Psedocheirus peregrinus) probably also occurs here. 

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In May 2007 a Birds Australia group saw a Yellow-footed Antechinus (Antechinus flavipes) sunning 

in a River Red Gum spout near the river. An early report in the HFNC Minutes of Meeting in Feb. 

1983 (Kevin Lakeman, 01/01/1983) also noted Common Dunnart (Sminthopsis murina). 

Introduced mammals include Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) but rabbits do not appear to be present. 

Echidna (Tachglossus aculeatus) are also present, along with Water Rat (Hydromys chrysogaster), 

seen on 15 Sept. 2007. We saw 3 Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) in the Fulham Pool on 13 

Sept. 2008 and 1 in 2010. 

Birds 

Fifty species were seen in September 2007, including “new” birds in Flame Robin, Rufous Songlark 

and Powerful Owl. 

In 2008, 63 species were seen, including “new” birds in White-throated Gerygone, Australasian 

Shoveler, Black-fronted Dotterel, Black-tailed Native Hen, Brown Goshawk, Little Raven, Tawny 

Frogmouth and White-winged Triller. 

In 2009, 43 species were seen (Powerful Owls heard), incl. a „new‟ bird in Blue-winged Parrot (total 

then 110 species). 

In 2010, 60 species were seen or heard (Southern Boobook), including 5 „new‟ birds: Little Black 

Cormorant, Crested Pigeon, Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater, Red-tailed Black-cockatoo (4 seen in Brown 

Stringybarks) and Little Eagle (total now 115 species (see Table 2). 

Present threats to the reserve: 

Cape Tulip – the impact of broad-scale spraying to control this pest plant has done much damage 

in recent years; careless operators do not employ satisfactory spot-spraying techniques. It is 

clear that large areas of vegetation have been blitzed of native species by the broad-scale 

spraying with, ironically, Cape Tulip, Sparaxis and pasture weeds the main beneficiaries of the 

bare ground created. 

African Weed Orchid – this had arrived in about 2003 and had a hold on parts of the Western 

end, although currently the threat appears to have abated after control work was implemented. 

Sparaxis (Harlequin flower) – this weed is spreading in the reserve, mainly along the river, the 

road fringes and track area in the western part of the reserve. Urgent spot-spraying action is 

needed to prevent it dominating the native ground flora in the presently unaffected or lightly 

infested areas. 

Off-road vehicular traffic – trail bikes and 4WD recreational vehicles travel at will across the 

reserve on weekends and public holidays and constitute a significant threat to flora, through 

spread of weeds and disease. DPI and other staff monitoring ground water bores at several 

points in the reserve also contribute to the damage by driving along roads closed in winter and 

then off-road to access the bores. All bores are within short walking distance from navigable 

tracks that are open in winter. 

Proliferation of tracks – there is currently an attempt to prevent traffic through the central wet 

section along the river during winter months but that is unlikely to be heeded and there will be a 

continuation of vehicles going off-road to get around boggy spots (there is access to both ends of 

the reserve but drivers are unlikely to go the extra distance unless encouraged by fines). HFNC 

is convinced that the only practical solution, in the absence regular supervision of the reserve, is 

to upgrade the river track so that there is no need for any vehicle to depart from it. There is an 

urgent need for signage requesting that vehicles stay on designated tracks to prevent the 

destruction of native vegetation from wheels and the spread of Cape Tulip and Sparaxis seed and 

Phytopthora dieback fungus in transferred mud. 

Fire – a ban on fires from November to April (the fire season) would be effective in reducing 

that danger to this (and other) reserve, State Forest and National Parks in SW Victoria. 

Phytophthora – dieback is not known to be present but care is required to prevent it becoming a 

problem. 

Campers – much of the river foreshore areas have been degraded and there needs to be some 

restriction to prevent further loss of the habitat areas along the banks. 

Wood cutting – evidence of wood removal on a large scale was noted in September 2008. 

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Future of the reserve 

In October 2005 HFNC had a campout at Fulham and recognized the threat of environmental weeds 

and inadequate management of human activities in the reserve, and resolved to offer assistance to 

Parks Victoria. Our main efforts were to concentrate on eradicating Sparaxis, Cape Tulip, Phalaris, 

Cocksfoot and other pasture plants from the important botanic areas south of the River Track. Failure 

to do that at a stage when the infestation there was manageable would have meant the certain longerterm 

degradation of the entire reserve. Whether that objective can be met remains to be seen. 

HFNC will pursue the following objectives: 

Control of exotic weeds (Phalaris, Cocksfoot, Cape Tulip, Sparaxis, Wild Gladioli, African 

Weed Orchid, etc.) in the main area of reserve south of the River Track (at first only in the 

western half of the reserve). HFNC, in consultation with Parks Victoria, has undertaken to 

locate and carefully spot-spray these weeds in the spring of 2006-08 (and thereafter?). 

Suggest ways of reducing off-road damage to the reserve by visitors and their vehicles. 

Continue to monitor the flora of the reserve, updating that list and list of birds and other fauna. 

Have the botanic significance of this reserve recognized and therefore ultimately gazetted as a 

Flora Reserve, to give it greater protection. 

References 

Beauglehole AC (1984) The Distribution and Conservation of Vascular Plants in South West Victoria. 

Bird PR, (1992) Expansion of the range of the Black Wallaby in Western Victoria. Victorian 

Naturalist 109(3): 89-91. 

Bird, Rod (2006) Fire and Tree Hollows. Wingspan 16(1): 60. 

DSE/CFA (2007) Victoria Point Fire – Bryan Swamp Horsham Fire District Fire 44 2006/07 Season. 

A case study. 

Land Conservation Council Victoria (1978) Report on the South-Western Area, District 2. 

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River Tk 

Fulham Pool 

River Tk 

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River Tk 

Old Rail Bridge 

Entry Tk East 

East Boundary Tk 

Entry Tk West 

Edgewood Rd 

Balmoral Rd

Table 1. Fulham Streamside Reserve Flora List 

Records of Cliff Beauglehole (1975 to 1990) and others to 2009 – compiled by PR Bird 

(records other than by ACB are noted; blank dates represent ACB records in Oct-Nov 1975) 

Sig. Botanic Name Common Name Date Observer Notes 

1 Acacia acinacea Gold-dust Wattle 9 Aug 87 

2 (*) Acacia baileyana Cootamundra Wattle 9 Aug 87 

3 Acacia brownei Heath Wattle 9 Aug 87 

4 Acacia implexa Lightwood 16 Jun 87 

5 Acacia mearnsii Black Wattle 

6 Acacia melanoxylon Blackwood 16 Jun 87 

7 Acacia myrtifolia Myrtle Wattle 16 Jun 87 

8 Acacia paradoxa Hedge Wattle 

9 Acacia pycnantha Golden Wattle 16 Jun 87 

10 Acacia ulicifolia Juniper Wattle 9 Aug 87 

11 Acacia verniciflua Varnish Wattle 

12 Acaena anserinifolia Bidgee-widgee 16 Jun 87 

13 Acaena echinata Sheep‟s Burr 16 Jun 87 

14 Acianthus exertus Midge Orchid ~2004 GD & HA 

15 Acrotriche serrulata Honey-pots 16 Jun 87 

16 Agrostis avenacea Common Blown-grass 

17 RT+ Agrostis limitanea Blown-grass 16 Jun 87 sole Vic rec. 

18 * Aira cupaniana Hair-grass * 

19 RT Allocasuarina luehmannii Bull-oak 16 Jun 87 3 trees in 1987 

20 Allocasuarina muelleriana Slaty Sheoak 11 Aug 87 

21 Allocasuarina verticillata Drooping Sheoak 

22 Amphibromus neesii Swamp Wallaby-grass 

23 Amphipogon strictus Grey-beard Grass 

24 Amyema miquelli Box Mistletoe 

25 Amyema pendulum Drooping Mistletoe 

26 * Anagallis arvensis Pimpernel 

27 * Anagallis minima Chaffweed 01 Nov 89 

28 Angiathus preissianus Salt Angianthus 

29 Anogramma leptophylla Annual Fern 16 Jun 87 

30 * Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal-grass 16 Jun 87 

31 Aphelia gracilis Slender Aphelia 16 Jun 87 

32 Apium annuum Annual Celery 21 Jan 90 

33 Apium prostratum Sea-cellery 21 Jan 90 In isolated spring 

34 * Arctotheca calendula Cape Weed 

35 Arthropodium minus Small Vanilla-lily 01 Nov 89 

36 Arthropodium sp. aff strictus - Chocolate-lily 

37 Arthropodium strictus Common Chocolate-lily 

38 Asperula conferta Common Woodruff 24 Aug 87 

39 Astroloma conostephioides Flame Heath 

40 Astroloma humifusum Cranberry Heath 

41 Austrodanthonia caespitosa Common Wallaby-grass 16 Jun 87 

42 Austrodanthonia geniculata Kneed Wallaby-grass 

43 Austrodanthonia racemosa - Wallaby-grass 16 Jun 87 

44 Austrodanthonia setacea Bristly Wallaby-grass 16 Jun 87 

45 Austrostipa densiflora Dense Spear-grass 7 Nov 89 

46 Austrostipa elegantissima Feather Spear-grass 

47 Austrostipa sp 1 - Spear-grass 

48 Austrostipa sp. 2 - Spear-grass 

49 * Avelinia michelii Avellinia 

50 * Avena fatua Wild Oat 16 Jun 87 

51 Banksia marginata Silver Banksia 21 Jan 90 PRB 

52 Banksia ornata Desert Banksia 21 Jan 90 

53 Baumia articulata Jointed Twig-rush 

54 Baumia juncea Bare Twig-rush 

55 Baumia rubiginosa Soft Twig-rush 

56 Billardiera cymosa Sweet Apple-berry 

57 Boronia nana Waxy Boronia 11 Nov 90 HT 1 plant, E end 

58 Bossiaea prostrata Creeping Bossiaea 24 Aug 87 

59 Brachyloma ciliatum Fringed Brachyloma 16 Jun 87 

60 Brachyloma daphnoides Daphne Heath 

61 Brachyscome perpusilla Rayless Daisy 

62 RT Brachyscome readeri Reader‟s Daisy 

63 Brachyscome uliginosa Small Swamp Daisy 

64 Bracteantha bracteata Golden Everlasting 11 Nov 90 PRB 1 plant near river 

65 * Briza maxima Large Quaking-grass 

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66 * Briza minor Lesser Quaking-grass 

67 * Bromus diandrus Great Brome 16 Jun 87 

68 * Bromus hordeaceus Soft Brome 16 Jun 87 

69 * Bromus lanceolatus Mediterraneun Brome 21 Jan 90 

70 * Bromus rubens Red Brome 

71 Brunonia australis Blue Pincushion 

72 Bulbine bulbosa Bulbine Lily 

73 Bulbine semibarbata Leek Lily 

74 Burchardia umbellata Milkmaids 

75 Bursaria spinosa Sweet Bursaria 

76 Caesia caliantha Blue Grass-lily 

77 Caladenia carnea Pink Fingers 

78 Caladenia cucullata Hooded Caladenia 7 Nov 89 

79 Caladenia tentaculata (dilatata)) Mantis Spider Orchid 

80 Caladenia latifolia Pink Fairy ~2004 GD & HA 

81 Caladenia pusillus Tiny Fingers 2009 PRB E, marsh fringe 

82 Calandrinia granulifera Pigmy Purslane 

83 Callitriche sp. Water Starwort 24 Aug 87 

84 Callitris gracillis Slender Cypress 16 Jun 87 

85 Callitris rhomboidea Oyster Bay Cypress 28 Sep 06 PRB 1 tree,W mid area 

86 Calochilus robertsonii Purplish Beard Orchid 7 Nov 89 

87 Calytrix tetragona Common Fringe-myrtle 

88 * Carduus pycnocephalus Slender Thistle 24 Aug 87 

89 * Carduus tenuiflorus - Thistle 7 Nov 89 

90 Carex appressa Tall Sedge 

91 Carex tereticaulis - Sedge 

92 Carpobrotus modestus Inland Pigface 13 Sep 08 PRB 1 plant N-S ck 

93 Cassytha glabella Slender Dodder-laurel 

94 * Centaurium tenuiflorum - Centaury 

95 Centipeda cunninghamii Common Sneezeweed 

96 Centrolepis aristata Pointed Centrolepis 

97 Centrolepis cephaloformis Cushion Centrolepis 

98 Centrolepis glabra Smooth Centrolepis 

99 Centrolepis polygyna Wiry Centrolepis 

100 Centrolepis strigosa Hairy Centrolepis 

101 * Cerastium glomeratum Common Mouse-ear Chickweed 16 Jun 87 

102 Chaemescilla corymbosa Blue Stars 24 Aug 87 

103 Cheilanthes austrotenuifolia Rock Fern 16 Jun 87 

104 Cheilanthes sieberi - Fern 9 Aug 87 

105 Chenopodium glaucum Glaucous Goosefoot 

106 Chiloglottis trapezoides Dainty Bird-orchid 2005 AP 

107 Chorizandra enodis Black Bristle-rush 

108 Chrysocephalum apiculatum Common Everlasting 

109 Chrysocephalum leucopsidium Satin Everlasting 24 Aug 87 

110 * Cicendia filiformis Slender Cicendia 

111 * Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle 16 Jun 87 

112 Clematis microphylla Small-leaved Clematis 14 Sep 06 PRB 1 plant, SW 

113 Comesperma calymega Blue-spike Milkwort 

114 RT Comesperma polygaloides Small Milkwort 

115 Comesperma volubile Love Creeper 

116 Convolvulus erubescens Pink Bindweed 

117 Correa reflexa Common Correa 16 Jun 87 

118 Corunastylis despectans Sharp Midge Orchid ~2004 GD & HA 

119 Corybas incurvus Slaty Helmet-orchid 

120 Cotula australis Common Cotula 16 Jun 87 

121 * Cotula coronopifolia Water Buttons 

122 Craspedia glauca Common Billy-buttons 

123 * Crassula alata Three-part Crassula 

124 Crassula decumbens Spreading Crassula 

125 RT+ Crassula exerta Large-fruiting Crassula 

126 Crassula helmsii Swamp Crassula 16 Jun 87 

127 Crassula sieberiana Sieber Crassula 16 Jun 87 

128 * Crepis vesicaria Dandelion Hawkesbeard 11 Nov 90 

129 * Critesion hystriax Mediterranean Barley-grass 

130 * Critesion murinum Common Barley-grass 7 Nov 89 

131 Cymbonotus preissanus Austral Bear‟s Ears 11 Aug 87 

132 Cynoglossum australe Australian Hound‟s Tongue 

133 Cynoglossum suaveolens Sweet Hound‟s Tongue 

134 * Cynosurus echinatus Rough Dog‟s Tail 16 Jun 87 

135 Cyperus gunnii Flecked Flat-sedge 16 Jun 87 

136 Cyperus lucidus Leafy Flat-sedge 

137 Cyperus tenellus Tiny Flat-sedge 

138 Cyrtostylis reniformis Small Gnat Orchid 

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~2004 GD & HA

139 * Dactylis glomeratum Cocksfoot 2005 PRB 

140 Daucus glochidiatus Austral Carrot 

141 Daviesia arenaria - Bitter-pea 9 Aug 87 

142 Deyeuxia quadriseta Reed Bent-grass 

143 Dianella revoluta Black-anther Flax-lilly 9 Aug 87 

144 Dianella longifolia Pale Flax-lily Oct 06 PRB SW area 

145 Dichelachne crinita Long-hair Plume-grass 

146 Dichondra repens Kidney-weed 

147 Dillwynia glaberrima Smooth Parrot-pea 

148 Dillwynia hispida Red Parrot-pea 

149 Dillwynia sericea Showy Parrot-pea 

150 Dipodium punctatum Hyacinth Orchid 21 Jan 90 

151 * Disa bracteata South African Orchid ~2003 GD & HA 

152 Distichlis distichophylla Australian Salt-grass 

153 * Dittrichia graveolens Stinkwort 

154 Diuris chryseopsis Golden Moth Orchid ~2004 GD & HA SE cnr 

155 Diuris orientis Wallflower Orchid ~2004 GD & HA 

156 Diuris pardina Leopard Orchid 1 Nov 89 

157 Diuris sulphurea Tiger Orchid 

158 Drosera glanduligera Scarlet Sundew 

159 Drosera peltata Pale Sundew 

160 Drosera pygmea Tiny Sundew 24 Aug 87 

161 Drosera whittakeri Scented Sundew 

162 * Ehrharta calycina Perennial Veldt-grass 7 Nov 89 

163 Eleocharis acuta Common Spike-rush 

164 Eleocharis pusilla Small Spike-rush 

165 Eleocharis sphacelata Tall Spike-rush 

166 Elymus scaber Common Wheat-grass 

167 Epilobium cinerium Variable Willow-herb 

168 * Erodium cicutarium Common Heron‟s-bill 16 Jun 87 

169 Eryngium ovinum Blue Devil 16 Jun 87 

170 Eucalyptus aff. arenacea aff. Desert Stringybark Jan 2009 DP NW cnr (penin.) 

171 Eucalyptus baxteri Brown Stringybark 

172 Eucalyptus camaldulensis River Red Gum 

173 Eucalyptus leucoxylon Yellow Gum 16 Jun 87 

174 Eucalyptus melliodora Yellow Box 

175 Eucalyptus viminalis ( ?) Manna Gum 16 Sep 06 PRB SE – check this 

176 Eutaxia microphylla Common Eutaxia 28 Sep 06 PRB mid area, S of Tk 

177 Exocarpos cuppressiformis Cherry Ballart 16 Jun 87 

178 Gahnia filum Chaffy Saw-sedge 

179 * Galium divaricatum Slender Bedstraw 

180 * Galium murale Small Bedstraw 

181 Geranium retrorsum - Crane‟s-bill 16 Jun 87 

182 * Gladiolus undulatus Wild Gladiolus 

183 Glossodia major Wax-lip Orchid 24 Aug 87 

184 RT Glycine latrobeana Clover Glycine 

185 Gnaphalium gymnocephala Creeping Cudweed 

186 Gnaphalium indutum Tiny Cudweed 

187 * Gnaphalium purpureum Purple Cudweed 16 Jun 87 

188 Gompholobium ecostatum Wedge-pea 11 Nov 90 PRB 

189 Gonocarpos elatus Tall Raspwort 16 Jun 87 

190 Gonocarpos tetragynus Common Raspwort 

191 Goodenia geniculata Bent Goodenia 

192 Goodenia humilus Swamp Goodenia 

193 Gratiola pubescens - Brooklime 16 Jun 87 

194 Hakea muelleriana Desert Hakea 

195 Hakea rugosa Dwarf Hakea 

196 Haloragis heterophylla Varied Raspwort 16 Jun 87 

197 Helichrysum leucopsidium Satin Everlasting 24 Aug 87 

198 Helichrysum scorpiodes Button Everlasting 24 Aug 87 

199 Hemarthria uncinata Mat Grass 

200 Hibbertia stricta Erect Guinea-flower 

201 Hibbertia virgata Twiggy Guinea-flower 9 Aug 87 

202 * Holcus lanatus Yorkshire Fog 

203 * Holcus setosus Annual Fog 1 Nov 89 

204 * Hordeum leporinum Common Barley-grass 7 Nov 89 

205 Hovea linearis Common Hovea 

206 Hyalosperma demissum Moss Sunray 

207 Hydrocotyle callicarpa Small Pennywort 

208 Hydrocotyle capillaris Thread Pennywort 

209 Hydrocotyle foveolata Yellow Pennywort 

210 Hydrocotyle laxiflora Stinking Pennywort 

211 * Hypchoeris glabra Smooth Cat‟s-ear 

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212 Hypericum gramineum Small St. John‟s Wort 

213 * Hypochoeris radicata Cat‟s Ear 16 Jun 87 

214 Hypolaena fastigata Tassel Rope sedge 

215 Hypoxis glabella Yellow Star 11Aug 87 

216 Hypoxis pusilla Tiny Star 16 Jun 87 

217 Imperata cylindrica Blady Grass 

218 Iseotopsis graminifolia Grass Cushion 

219 Isoetes drummondii Plain Quillwort 11Aug 87 

220 Isolepis fluitans Floating Club-rush 

221 * Isolepis hystrix Awned Club-rush 

222 Isolepis nodosa Knobby Club-rush 

223 Isolepis sp. - Clubrush 1 Nov 89 

224 Isopogon ceratophyllus Horny Conebush 

225 Isotoma fluviatilis Swamp Isotome 

226 Juncus amabilis - Rush 

227 Juncus bufonius Toad Rush 

228 Juncus capitatus Capitate Rush 

229 Juncus holoschoenus Joint-leaf Rush 

230 Juncus homalocaulis Wiry Rush 

231 Juncus krausii Sea Rush 

232 Juncus pallidus Pale Rush 

233 Juncus planifolius Broad-leaf Rush 16 Jun 87 

234 Juncus subsecundis Finger Rush 16 Jun 87 

235 Kennedia prostrata Running Postman 

236 Lagenifera huegelii Coarse Lagenifera 

237 * Leontodon taraxacoides Hairy Hawkbit 16 Jun 87 

238 Lepidosperma carphoides Black Rapier-sedge 

239 Lepidosperma congestum Clustered Sword-sedge 

240 Lepidosperma lineare Little Sword-sedge 

241 Lepidosperma semiteres Wire Rapier-sedge 11 Aug 87 

242 Leporella fimbriata Fringed hare Orchid ~2004 GD & HA 

243 Leptocarpus brownii Coarse Twine-rush 

244 Leptorhynchos squamatus Scaly Buttons 

245 Leptospermum continentale Prickly Tea-tree 

246 (*) Leptospermum laevigatum ? Coastal Tea-tree ? 23 Oct 05 PRB 1 on trk in 

247 Leptospermum myrsinoides Heath Tea-tree 

248 Leptospermum obovatum River Tea-tree 

249 Leucopogon virgatus Common Beard-heath 

250 Levenhookia dubia Hairy Stylewort 

251 Linum marginale Native Flax 23 Oct 05 PRB Post-fire, W of tk 

252 Lobelia alata Angled Lobelia 21 Jan 90 

253 Lobelia irrigua Salt Pratia 

254 * Lolium perenne Perennial rye-grass 16 Jun 87 

255 Lomandra collina Pale Mat-rush 

256 Lomandra filliformis Wattle Mat-rush 

257 Lomandra micrantha Small-flower Mat-rush 24 Aug 87 

258 Lomandra sororia Small Mat-rush 

259 Luzula sp. - Woodrush 

260 * Lycium ferocissium African Box-thorn 

261 Lythrum hyssopifolia Small Loosestrife 16 Jun 87 

262 * Medicago polymorpha Burr Medic 16 Jun 87 

263 Melaleuca decussata Totem-poles 11 Aug 87 

264 Melaleuca neglecta Mallee Honey-myrtle 

265 Melicytus dentata Tree Violet 23 Oct 05 PRB NW near river 

266 Mentha diemenica Slender Mint 11Aug 87 

267 Mentha pulegium Pennyroyal 16 Jun 87 

268 Microlaena stipoides Weeping Grass 

269 Microseris sp. Yam-daisy 

270 Microtis parviflora Slender Onion-orchid 1 Nov 89 

271 Microtis unifolia Common Onion-orchid 

272 Millotia tenuifolia Soft Millotia 

273 Mimulus repens Creeping Monkey-flower 

274 Mitrasacme paradoxa Wiry Mitrewort 

275 * Monchia erecta Erect Chickweed 1 Nov 89 

276 Montia fontana Water Blinks 1 Nov 89 

277 * Moraea flaccida One-leaf Cape Tulip 11 Aug 87 

278 Myoporum parvifolium Creeping Myoporum 

279 Myosotis australis Austral Forget-me-not 23 Oct 05 PRB Post-fire, W end 

280 Myriocephalus rhizocephalus Woolly-heads 1 Nov 89 

281 Myriophyllum crispata - Water-milfoil 7 Nov 89 

282 Myriophyllum integrifolium Tiny Water-milfoil 7 Nov 89 

283 * Myrsiphyllum asparagoides Smilax 

284 Neopaxia australasica White Purslane 

11 

16 Jun 87

285 Neurachne alopecuroides Fox-tail Mulga Grass 

286 * Olea europaea Olive 11 Nov 90 West, bend 

287 Opercularia varia Variable Stinkweed 

288 Ophioglossum lusitanicum Austral Adder‟s-tongue 

289 Orthoceris strictum Horned Orchid 

290 Oxalis perennans Wood Sorrel 

291 Paracalenana minor Small Duck Orchid ~2004 GD & HA 

292 * Parapholis incurva Coast Barb-grass 

293 * Parentucellia latifolia Common Parentucellia 

294 Pelargonium rodneyanum Magenta Stork‟s-bill 

295 Pentapogon quadrifidus Five-awned Spear-grass 

296 * Pentaschistis airoides False Hair-grass 7 Nov 89 

297 * Petrorhagia velutina Hairy Pink 7 Nov 89 

298 * Phalaris aquatica Toowoomba Canary-grass 16 Jun 87 

299 Pheladenia deformis Bluebeard Orchid ~2004 GD & HA 

300 Phragmites australis Common Reed 

301 Phylloglossum drummondii Pigmy Clubmoss 

302 Pimelia humilis Common Rice-flower 

303 * Plantago bellardii Hairy Plantain 

304 * Plantago coronopus Buck‟s-horn Plantain 

305 Plantago gaudichaudii -Plantain 7 Nov 89 

306 * Plantago lanceolata Ribwort 

307 Plantago varia Variable Plantain 

308 Platylobium obtusangulum Common Flat-pea 

309 Pleurosorus rutifolius Blanket Fern 16 Jun 87 

310 * Poa annua Annual Meadow-grass 16 Jun 87 

311 Poa labillardieri Great Tussock-grass 

312 Poa sieberiana Small Tussock-grass 

313 Podolepis jaceoides Showy Podolepis 

314 Podotheca angustifolium Sticky Longheads 9 Aug 87 

315 * Polypogon maritimus Coast Beard-grass 

316 Poranthera microphylla Small Poranthera 

317 Potamogeton ochreatus Blunt Pondweed 

318 Potamogeton pectinatus Fennel Pondweed 

319 Prasophyllum elatum Tall Leek-orchid 

320 Pseudognaphalium luteoalbum Jersey Cudweed 16 Jun 87 

321 Pteridium esculentum Austral Bracken 16 Jun 87 

322 Pterostylis nana Dwarf Greenhood 1 Oct 89 

323 Pterostylis nutans Nodding Greenhood 17 Sep 06 DL W side, E of Tk 

324 Pterostylis pedunculata Maroon-hood 24 Aug 87 

325 RT Ptilotus erubescens Hairy-tails 

326 Pyrorchis nigricans Red-beaks 

327 RT Quinetia urvillei Quinetia 7 Nov 89 

328 Ranunculus rivularis Small River Buttercup 16 Jun 87 

329 Ranunculus robertsonii Slender Buttercup 

330 * Romulea rosea Common Onion-grass 

331 * Rumex acetosella Sheep Sorrel 

332 Rumex brownii Slender Dock 

333 * Rumex crispus Curled Dock 

334 Samolus repens Creeping Brookweed 1 Nov 89 

335 * Schinus molle Pepper-tree 

336 Schoenus apogon Common Bog-wash 

337 Schoenus breviculmis Matted Bog-rush 

338 Sebaea albidiflora White Sebaea 

339 Sebaea ovata Yellow Sebaea 16 Jun 87 

340 Selliera radicans Selliera 

341 Senecio glomeratus Annual Fireweed 16 Jun 87 

342 Senecio picridioides - Fireweed 16 Jun 87 

343 Senecio pinnatifolius Variable groundsel 20 Sep 07 PRB a few plants, SW 

344 Senecio quadridentatus Cotton Fireweed 

345 Senecio squarrosus Leafy Fireweed 24 Aug 87 

346 * Sherardia arvensis Field Madder 7 Nov 89 

347 * Silene gallica French Catchfly 7 Nov 89 

348 Siloxerus multiflorus Small Wrinklewort 

349 * Solanum nigrum Black Nightshade 

350 Solanum simile Oondoroo 

351 Solenogyne dominii - Solenogyne 

352 * Soliva sessilis Jo Jo 

353 * Sonchus asper Rough Sow Thistle 

354 * Sonchus oleraceus Sow Thistle 

355 * Sparaxis bulbifera Harlequin-flower 7 Nov 89 

356 * Spergularia rubra Red Sand-spurrey 

357 Stackhousia monogyna Candles 

12 

14 Sep 06 PRB W side, near Rail

358 * Stellaria media Chickweed 24 Aug 87 

359 * Stellaria pallida Lesser Chickweed 1 Nov 89 

360 Stuartina muelleri Spoon Cudweed 

361 Stylidium calcaratum White Book Trigger-plant 

362 Stylidium inundatum Hundreds and Thousands 

363 * Taraxacum sp. - Dandelion 

364 R Templetonia stenophylla Leafy Templetonia 16 Sep 06 PRB 1 plant, SE side 

365 Tetratheca ciliata Pink Bells 

366 Thelymitra antennifera Rabbit-ears 

367 Thelymitra carnea Pink Sun-orchid 

368 RT+ Thelymitra chasmogama Globe-hood Sun-orchid 

369 Thelymitra holmesii Blue-star Sun-orchid 

370 Thelymitra ixioides Dotted Sun-orchid 

371 RT+ Thelymitra luteocilium Fringed Sun-orchid 

372 RT Thelymitra macmillanii Crimson Sun-orchid 

373 Thelymitra nuda Scented Sin-orchid 

374 Thelymitra pauciflora Slender Sun-orchid 

375 Thelymitra rubra Salmon Sun-orchid 

376 Themeda triandra Kangaroo Grass 

377 Thysanotus patersonii Twining Fringe-lily 

378 * Tribolium acutiflorum - 1 Nov 89 

379 Tricoryne elatior Yellow Rush-lily 24 Aug 87 

380 * Trifolium angustifolium Narrow-leaf Clover 7 Nov 89 

381 * Trifolium campestre Hop Clover 16 Jun 87 

382 * Trifolium cernuum Drooping-flower Clover 

383 * Trifolium dubium Suckling Clover 16 Jun 87 

384 * Trifolium glomeratum Cluster Clover 16 Jun 87 

385 * Trifolium ornithopodiodes Birdsfoot Fenugreek 

386 * Trifolium repens White Clover 16 Jun 87 

387 * Trifolium subterraneum Subterraneum Clover 16 Jun 87 

388 Triglochin centrocarpa Dwarf Arrowgrass 

389 Triglochin mucronata Prickly Arrowgrass 

390 Triglochin procera Water-ribbons 

391 Triglochin striata Streaked Arrowgrass 

392 Triodia bunicola Common Porcupine Grass 

393 Triptidiscus pygmaeus Common Sunray 

394 Typha domingensis - Bulrush 21 Jan 90 

395 Typha orientalis - Bulrush 

396 Utricularia tenella Pink Bladderwort 

397 Vallisneria spiralis Eel-weed 

398 * Verbascum virgatum Twiggy Mullein 16 Jun 87 

399 Veronica gracilis Slender Speedwell Oct 06 PRB NW area 

400 Villarsia reniformis Running Marsh-flower 

401 Viminaria juncea Golden Spray 9 Aug 87 

402 Viola sieberiana Tiny Violet 

403 Vittadinia sp1 (cuneata?) - New Holland Daisy 16 Jun 87 

404 Vittadinia sp2 (gracilis?) - New Holland Daisy 16 Jun 87 

405 * Vulpia bromoides Squirrel-tail Fescue 

406 * Vulpia myuros Rats‟s-tail Fescue 

407 Wahlenbergia gracilenta Annual Bluebell 

408 Wahlenbergia gracilis Sprawling Bluebell 

409 Wahlenbergia multicaulis - Bluebell 

410 Wahlenbergia stricta Tall Bluebell 

411 Wilsonia rotundifolia Round-leaf Wilsonia 1 Nov 89 

412 Wurmbea dioica - Early Nancy 9 Aug 87 

413 Xanthorrhoea minor Small Grass-tree 

414 Zoysia macrantha Prickly Couch 24 Aug 87 

GD = Glenys Dixon, HA = Helen Anderson, AP = Andrew Pritchard (DSE), HT = Hilary Turner, PRB = Rod Bird, DL = 

Diane Luhrs 

DP = David Pitts (DSE) 

* = exotic sp.; T = threatened; R = rare 

13

Table 2. HFNC BIRDLIST Fulham Streamside Reserve (Feb. 1983 to Oct. 2010) 

Oct Sep 

Sep Sep- 

First recorded 

Sep Sep Oct 

No. Species Date Observer 05 06 07 08 09 10 

1 Australasian darter 04/12/1994 J Cleary 

* * 

Australian shelduck 18/09/2009 D Luhrs 

* 

2 Australasian shoveller 12/09/2008 R Bird 

* 

3 Australian magpie 29/03/1986 R Bird * * * * * * 

4 Australian raven 12/11/1990 R Bird * * * * * 

5 Australian wood duck 11/06/1990 R Bird * * * * * * 

6 Azure kingfisher 22/10/2005 R Bird * 

7 Black swan 11/11/1990 R Bird 

* * 

8 Black-chinned honeyeater 18/09/2006 R Bird * 

9 Black-eared cuckoo 01/01/1983 K Lakeman 

10 Black-faced cuckoo-shrike 04/12/1994 R Bird * * * * * * 

11 Black-fronted dotterel 12/09/2008 R Bird 

* 

12 Black-tailed native hen 12/09/2008 D Luhrs 

* 

13 Brown falcon 04/12/1994 R Bird * 

* 

14 Brown goshawk 12/09/2008 R Bird 

* 

15 Brown thornbill 22/10/2005 R Bird * * * * * * 

16 Brown treecreeper 29/03/1986 R Bird * * * 

17 Brown-headed honeyeater 15/04/2006 R Bird 

18 Buff-rumped thornbill 15/04/2006 R Bird * 

* 

19 Clamorous reed-warbler 04/12/1994 R Bird 

20 Collared sparrowhawk 04/12/1994 R Bird * * 

21 Common bronzewing 04/12/1994 R Bird * * * * * * 

22 Crested pigeon 17/09/2010 R Bird 

* 

23 Crested shrike-tit, e fm 11/06/1990 R Bird * 

24 Crimson rosella 29/03/1986 R Bird * * * * * * 

25 Diamond firetail 04/12/1994 R Bird 

26 Dusky moorhen 29/03/1986 R Bird * * * 

27 Dusky woodswallow 01/01/1983 K Lakeman * * 

28 Eastern rosella 04/12/1994 R Bird 

* 

29 Eastern spinebill 16/04/2006 R Bird 

30 Eastern yellow robin 01/01/1983 K Lakeman * 

31 Eurasian coot 29/03/1986 R Bird * * * * * * 

32 Fairy martin 29/03/1986 R Bird 

33 Fan-tailed cuckoo 29/03/1986 R Bird * * * * * * 

34 Flame robin 16/09/2007 R Bird * 

35 Forest raven 18/09/2009 R Bird 

* * 

36 Galah 25/10/1987 R Bird * * * * * * 

37 Gang-gang cockatoo 11/06/1990 R Bird * * * 

* 

38 Golden whistler 15/04/2006 R Bird 

* 

39 Great egret 18/09/2006 R Bird * 

40 Grey currawong 04/12/1994 R Bird * * * * * * 

41 Grey fantail 29/03/1986 R Bird * * * * * * 

42 Grey shrike-thrush 29/03/1986 R Bird * * * * * * 

43 Grey teal 22/10/2005 R Bird * * * * *br 

44 Hoary-headed grebe 29/03/1986 R Bird 

45 Horsfield's bronze-cuckoo 29/03/1986 R Bird * * * * * * 

46 Jacky winter 29/03/1986 R Bird * * * * 

47 Latham's snipe 18/01/1990 R Bird 

48 Laughing kookaburra 29/03/1986 R Bird * * * * * * 

49 Little black cormorant 17/09/2010 D Luhrs 

* 

50 Little eagle 11/10/2010 R Bird 

* 

51 Little grassbird 18/09/2006 R Bird * * 

* 

52 Little pied cormorant 29/03/1986 R Bird * * * 

53 Little raven 12/09/2008 R Bird 

* * * 

54 Long-billed corella 29/03/1986 R Bird * * * * * 

55 Magpie-lark 18/01/1990 R Bird * * * 

56 Masked lapwing 22/10/2005 R Bird * * * * * 

57 Masked woodswallow 01/01/1983 K Lakeman 

58 Mistletoebird 22/10/2005 R Bird * * 

59 Musk duck 22/10/2005 R Bird * 

* 

60 Musk lorikeet 25/10/1987 R Bird * * * * 

14

61 New Holland honeyeater 29/03/1986 R Bird * * * * 

62 Pacific black duck 25/10/1987 R Bird * 

* * * 

63 Pallid cuckoo 22/10/2005 R Bird * * * * * 

64 Peregrine falcon 22/10/2005 R Bird * 

65 Pied cormorant 04/12/1994 J Cleary 

66 Pied currawong 11/11/1990 R Bird * * * 

67 Powerful owl 16/11/2007 J Cayley * * 

68 Purple swamphen 29/03/1986 R Bird * 

* 

69 Purple-crowned lorikeet 11/11/1990 R Bird * * * 

70 Rainbow bee-eater 01/01/1983 K Lakeman 

71 Rainbow lorikeet 16/09/2007 R Bird * 

72 Red wattlebird 04/12/1994 R Bird * * * * * * 

73 Red-browed finch 01/01/1983 K Lakeman * 

* 

74 Red-capped robin 01/01/1983 K Lakeman 

75 Red-rumped parrot 29/03/1986 R Bird * * * * 

76 Red-tailed black-cockatoo 18/09/2010 R Bird 

* 

77 Restless flycatcher 29/03/1986 R Bird * * * * 

78 Rufous songlark 18/01/1990 R Bird * * * * * 

79 Rufous whistler 25/10/1987 R Bird * * 

* * 

80 Sacred kingfisher 11/11/1990 R Bird * 

* * 

81 Scarlet robin 29/03/1986 R Bird * 

* 

82 Shining bronze-cuckoo 25/10/1987 R Bird * * 

* 

83 Silvereye 15/04/2006 R Bird * 

* 

84 Southern boobook 22/10/2005 R Bird * * * * 

85 Southern whiteface 29/03/1986 R Bird 

* 

86 Speckled warbler 14/07/2001 R Farnes 

87 Spiny-cheeked honeyeater 18/09/2010 R Bird 

* 

88 Spotted pardalote 04/12/1994 R Bird * * * * * 

89 Striated pardalote 25/10/1987 R Bird * * * * * * 

90 Striated thornbill 22/10/2005 R Bird * 

91 Stubble quail 28/09/2006 R Bird * 

92 Sulphur-crested cockatoo 29/03/1986 R Bird * * * * * * 

93 Superb fairy-wren 29/03/1986 R Bird * * * * * * 

94 Swamp harrier 25/10/1987 R Bird 

* * 

95 Tawny frogmouth 12/09/2008 R Zollinger 

* 

96 Tree martin 04/12/1994 R Bird * * 

97 Varied sittella 04/12/1994 R Bird * * * * * * 

98 Wedge-tailed eagle 11/06/1990 R Bird * * * 

99 Weebill 22/10/2005 R Bird * * * * * 

100 Welcome swallow 29/03/1986 R Bird * * * 

101 Whistling kite 16/09/2007 R Bird * * * 

102 White-browed babbler 15/04/2006 R Bird * * * * 

103 White-browed scrubwren 29/03/1986 R Bird * * * * * 

104 White-eared honeyeater 15/04/2006 R Bird 

105 White-faced heron 29/03/1986 R Bird * * * * 

106 White-necked heron 18/09/2009 D Luhrs 

* 

107 White-plumed honeyeater 29/03/1986 R Bird * * * * * * 

108 White-throated gerygone 12/09/2008 R Bird 

* 

109 White-throated treecreeper 29/03/1986 R Bird * * * * * 

110 White-winged chough 29/03/1986 R Bird * * * * * * 

111 White-winged triller 12/09/2008 R Bird 

* * 

112 Willie wagtail 29/03/1986 R Bird * * * * * 

113 Yellow thornbill 04/12/1994 R Bird 

114 Yellow-faced honeyeater 04/12/1994 R Bird * * 

* 

115 Yellow-rumped thornbill 29/03/1986 R Bird * * * * * * 

116 Yellow-tailed black-cockatoo 29/03/1986 R Bird 

The records for September 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 & 2010 were made during the annual weed spot-spraying 

campouts at Fulham, and only from the western half of the reserve. The October 2005 campout observations 

were also only from the western half of the reserve. 

15

PO Box 591 

Hamilton 

Vic 3300 

Brian McKinnon 

Parks Victoria 

Casterton 

Dear Brian 

HAMILTON FIELD NATURALISTS CLUB 

16 

8 Nov 2005 

This letter relates to the Fulham Streamside Reserve and our concern over its weed management. 

The Hamilton Field Naturalists Club spring campout at the Fulham Streamside Reserve gave us a 

spectacular display of wildflowers (particularly on the areas burned in the wildfire of February 2005 - 

a tremendous display of lilies, orchids, yam daisies, Podolepis, etc) and also dramatic evidence of 

weed invasion that threatens this magnificent flora area, and uncontrolled vehicle access to some parts 

(and problems caused by sections of "official" tracks that cannot cope with wet conditions). 

We are very concerned about the future of this priceless natural asset. Perhaps one of the reasons for 

its apparent neglect has been that the Land Conservation Council in the mid 1980s decided to list it as 

a Streamside Reserve rather than as a Flora Reserve. We believe they did that because of the 

traditional recreational fishing aspect along the 5 km river frontage that defines the northern edge of 

the reserve. Our club had advocated it as a Flora Reserve, on account of the flora values. Our 

members have been actively involved in flora surveys there since 1987, with botanist Cliff 

Beauglehole, and have a current botanical list for the reserve of 300 native species. We added another 

5 species on our last trip. 

As you will be aware, there are rare and endangered species present (notably orchids) and some unique 

outliers. The latter include Callitris gracilis, Melaleuca neglecta and Triodia bunicola. We believe 

(as did Cliff Beauglehole) that this is the best flora reserve in the Dundas Tableland landform. Since 

grazing was removed in 1987 it has shown a remarkable improvement in species such as Buloke and 

Slender Cypress. 

We know that weed control is not easy (we have worked on Sparaxis and Phalaris on Crown 

Reserves) but were appalled by the outcome of spraying to control Cape Tulip on non-target flora on 

the Fulham Streamside Reserve. We believe that a team was still working there last week and 

continuing to damage the reserve. We would be happy to visit the area with you as soon as possible 

and highlight the problems. 

There are three main weed threats on the Fulham Reserve: 

Cape Tulip – some large and small areas have been completely blitzed by the spray operators, 

except for tulips that have survived on the sprayed areas. There has been little attempt to spotspray 

just the offending plants. The result has (and will be) the loss of the native species that are 

often intimately associated with the tulip. We noted one remarkable small area near the track 

along the river (near the Melaleuca neglecta saline area) that contained over 100 Caladenia 

dilatata orchids, and the only patch we saw in 2 days, adjacent to tulip plants. These will be 

wiped out if the spray operator returns and adopts the same heavy-handed approach. A similar 

situation exists for Lyperanthus nigricans orchids on the bank of the river nearest the reserve 

entrance track. There were thousands of orchids there (and we saw no others in the reserve) and 

these would be very vulnerable to tulip spraying. 

Sparaxis bulbifera – this needs to be urgently tackled. There are infestations at critical places 

along tracks, and along the Edgewood Road, among some of the finest stretches of native 

vegetation. Unless attention is paid to this terrible weed then we will lose a priceless tract of 

relatively pristine landscape. The problem is already large but it is possible to prevent the weed

from invading the remaining areas of vegetation away from the river. We did apply some 

treatment to a couple of isolated outbreaks, but much more comprehensive attack is needed. 

African weed Orchid – we noted that action is being taken to control this pest. We also found 

many plants outside of the areas that someone had marked with bamboo stakes and red tape 

(plants inside these areas had been spot-sprayed with herbicide and red dye). We dug up and 

destroyed any plants and bulbs we found outside those areas but our search was by no means 

systematic. We were pleased that the spread so far does not seem to be as extensive as we feared. 

Whatever the cost to control the agricultural weed (Cape Tulip) in an acceptable manner, one cannot 

justify an approach that destroys the value and integrity of the Reserve. We note that the DPI 

Corporate Plan (2004-2007) has, as one of the four Government Commitments "protecting the 

environment for future generations”. Clearly, the present damaging practice cannot be allowed to 

continue. 

It may be necessary, at this stage, for contractors to continue to get Cape Tulip under control. But they 

need a very specific task proposal, so that they can learn about the job, properly cost it, and be able to 

operate in a way that complies with the task prescription. 

We think the following matters are of importance when engaging a contractor for this area: 

Using an appropriate spray head – the sprayers used at Fulham delivered a burst of spray with 

a wide arc. We recommend a shielded head that delivers the spray to the particular plant over a 

very narrow circle. That is not possible to do with the equipment used at Fulham. Even where 

efforts had been made in some places to restrict the size of the spot sprayed the sprayed area 

around a single plant still approached a square metre. That is perhaps 10-20 times the necessary 

size. To achieve that, spot-spraying, rather than the "swipe" method, must be used. This 

approach would slow things down but it is necessary to prevent collateral damage on these 

important flora reserves. Keeping the sprayed areas small is also essential if one wants adjacent 

native species (rather than exotic weeds) to re-colonise the areas. Of course, a back-pack system 

is much to be preferred in such areas, rather than the motorised systems that employ hoses and 

hand-gun delivery heads 

Operator training – the operators needs to target the particular species when working on nonfarmland 

areas where there are other important values to protect. The operators will need on-site 

training to identify important native flora so that they can be more careful in critical areas. 

Other weeds – Sparaxis bulbifera is a serious environmental threat here, so why not spot-spray 

those - and the odd Phalaris clump - when encountered whilst spraying Tulip? 

We believe that the only way to make a desirable impact is to engage the services of people (such as 

field naturalists) who have the botanical knowledge, interest and time to spend on the problem, to 

target the offending species without destroying too many non-target species. That way there is also a 

good chance that the bare spots will be filled by the adjacent native species, rather than weeds. 

We believe that members of the Hamilton Field Naturalists Club are willing, have the time and 

expertise, and would be prepared to spend 3 or 4 days at a time (perhaps on 2 occasions) each spring, 

camping on site, to systematically treat fringes of areas most at risk (and any spots within) to get 

control of the situation. Nothing has been done in the past to control Sparaxis and most other 

environmental weeds, hence the present parlous state of affairs on all of our reserves. 

Our club would be happy to submit a tender to undertake such work. We envisage perhaps 4 people 

being engaged on the project. Our costs would include chemicals, fuel, some equipment maintenance, 

and a moderate amount for labour. We anticipate spending perhaps 5 hours per person per day 

walking the area and spraying the pest species. We would concentrate on Sparaxis, Cape Tulip, 

Phalaris and African Weed Orchid in the critical areas adjacent to (and in) the high-value flora areas of 

the reserve. We believe that this would be a very economic and effective way of getting the job done. 

Clearly, something has to be done or we can forget about keeping pristine flora reserves. 

Our club has an ABN, is incorporated and has insurance cover. 

Yours faithfully 

John Cayley 

President HFNC 

17


PO Box 591 

Hamilton 

Vic 3300 October 2006 

Report on Weed Control Work at the Fulham Streamside Reserve in September 2006 

compiled by Rod Bird 

Summary 

The HFNC (6 members) spent >60 person-hours spraying pest and environmental weeds at the floristically 

rich Fulham Streamside Reserve, the western half, concentrating on the fringes to tracks and streams. 

The herbicides used were metsulfuron methyl (Ally) and glyphosate, together with a surfactant (Pulse) and 

dye marker (purple). Weeds were, wherever practicable, spot-sprayed to achieve little off-target deaths. 

The weeds controlled were One-leaf Cape Tulip, Halequin Flower, South African Orchid, Wild Gladiolus, 

Bridal Creeper and Perennial Veldt Grass, Toowoomba Canary-grass, Cocksfoot, Yorkshire Fog-grass and 

Spear Thistle. We did not have time to scan and spray the entire weed population. 

The precise locations of weed hotspots were marked by GPS, to enable follow-up work in later years 

The degree of infestation from Sparaxis was greater than anticipated, and this serious weed requires 

stringent attention in following years. Together with Cape Tulip, this weed is readily spread by 

grader/bulldozer tracks and recreational vehicle tracks. There was ample evidence of that. 

To justify further weed eradication work, there has to be a serious attempt to curtail off-road vehicle 

traffic. Most noticeable is the flagrant disregard for “road closure” signs, and the consequent mess created 

at the swampy areas of the River Track, even in this dry year. We saw steady traffic in “closed” section. 

We recommend that the River Track be improved (there are 3 sites that need mounding up) to allow allyear 

traffic, rather than attempt a seasonal closure – unsupervised closures and absence of fines ensure that 

signs will always be ignored by 4WD drivers who are accustomed to doing as they like here. 

We further recommend that the 2 loop tracks south off the River Track be closed because these are a 

danger to the long-term integrity of the vegetation in these valuable marsh areas. If the River Track is 

open there is no reason for the other tracks to remain open. 

Off-road recreational motorcycles and other vehicles also constitute a danger to the reserve, through 

spreading weeds, cutting up fragile areas and risking the spread of Phytophtora. Signs are needed. 

New flora records: Clematis microphylla, Linum marginale, Lobelia alata, Melyctis dentata, Myosotis 

australis, Pterostylis nutans, Stackhousia mongyna & Templetonia stenophylla in Oct. 2005-Sept.2006. 

Birds: we recorded 64 species during our weekend (see Table 2). 

Works undertaken in September 2006 

From 14-17 Sept. 2006 and 28 Sept. 2006 at the Fulham Streamside Reserve, members of Hamilton Field 

Naturalists Club located and sprayed the noxious and environmental weeds listed below: 

Moraea flaccida (One-leaf Cape Tulip) 

Phalaris aquatica (Toowoomba Canary-grass) 

Sparaxis bilbifera (Halequin Flower) 

Dactylis glomeratum (Cocksfoot) 

Disa bracteata (South African Orchid) 

Holcus lanatus (Yorkshire Fog-grass) 

Gladiolus undulatus (Wild Gladiolus) 

Cirsium vulgare (Spear Thistle) 

Asparagus asparagoides (Bridal Creeper) 

Ehrharta calycina (Perennial Veldt Grass) 

The general areas spot-sprayed were: 

W margin of the Entrance Tk, from 100 m S of the bulldozed fire line to the minor W track at 1.45 km (37- 

09-13.8/141-51-34.0) that leads to the river bend. The Entrance Tk margin has a massive infestation of 

Sparaxis. 

The area N of the track at 1.45 km from the entrance (37-09-13.8/141-51-34.0) and the river frontage at the 

most southerly bend, running N and including all areas W of the Entrance Tk and river as far as the road 

closure point on the River Tk (37-09-04.2/141-51-46.4). It has some Cape Tulip, Sparaxis and Bridal 

Creeper but also patches of Red-Beak Orchids that would be affected by spray operators unaware of the 

identity of the orchid. 

E of the Entrance Tk from Edgewood Rd (37-09-56.4/141-51-23.2), N to the river and to the right hand side 

(south) of the River Tk that runs E to where the third drainage line crosses the track (37-08-53.4/141-53- 

10.3). There are massive infestations of Sparaxis, Wild Gladiolus and Phalaris, with many smaller areas of 

Cape Tulip, Sth of the River Tk. The area Nth of the track (river side) is worse (we did not treat that area). 

E from the intersection of Entrance Tk and bulldozed fire-line (37-09-25.7/141-51-27.9), along the fireline 

to Edgewood Rd – sporadic occurrences of Cape Tulip found there, from corms transferred by the machine. 

E from the Entrance Gateway (37-09-56.4/141-51-23.2), along Edgewood Rd for 3 km to a corner of the 

18

eserve – there are patches of Cape Tulip, Sparaxis and pasture weeds along this section. 

W from the N-S Boundary Tk that runs from Edgewood Rd to the corner of the reserve where the boundary 

turns east – patches of Cape Tulip and African Weed Orchid occur there. 

N down the creek that crosses Edgewood Rd and runs through the reserve (with 2 other tributaries from the 

E) to cross the River Tk – this is a critical waterway, since weeds that spread down that line will invade the 

body of the reserve. Cape Tulip and (in the lower part) Sparaxis occur sporadically along these drain lines. 

The precise location (GPS latitude/longitude co-ordinates on Aust 84 datum) of the infestations are listed below, 

so that these areas can be re-located next year for follow-up treatment. Unless that is done then the efforts made 

this year will be futile in the long term, since it is rare that all plants are eradicated in the first instance (some 

plants have dormant corms or have set seed in a previous year, while small plants may not be observed). 

1. W edge of the Entrance Tk, from 100 m S of the bulldozed fire line (37-09-25.7/141-51-27.9) to the W track 

at 1.45 km (37-09-13.8/141-51-34.0) 

An extensive, severe infestation of Sparaxis (and the odd Cape Tulip) occurs along an old track, extending 

150 m N and 50 m S of the bulldozed fireline. At the S end, this infestation is ~30 m W of the Entrance Tk 

but largely confined to and near the old (disused) track. These plants were sprayed but the area needs 

particular attention in following years. The infestation has also spread some distance W down the firebreak 

and some plants were found and sprayed on a heap of soil on that firebreak ~ 150 m W of the Entrance Tk. 

2. N of the track at 1.45 km from the Entrance (37-09-13.8/141-51-34.0) and W to the river frontage at the 

most southerly bend, including all areas W of the Entrance Tk and river as far as the road closure point on 

the River Tk (37-09-04.2/141-51-46.4). 

No specific GPS readings were taken here – we sprayed many isolated plants of Bridal Creeper (among 

trees and shrubs near the river in the N section), Wild Gladiolus and clumps of pasture weeds. 

3. E of the Entrance Tk from Edgewood Rd (37-09-56.4/141-51-23.2), N to the river and to the S of the River 

Tk that runs E to where the third drainage line crosses the track (37-08-53.4/141-53-10.3). 

There were massive infestations of Sparaxis at various points on both sides of this track – we only dealt 

with those on the S side. The major sites of infestation are indicated below: 

3.1 Area W and S of the Road Closure point on the River Tk (37-09-04.2/141-51-46.4) – massive infestation 

of Sparaxis, with many Wild Gladiolus and Phalaris patches in the section where there are current and old 

tracks - sprayed. This area needs annual inspection and treatment because these weeds will certainly 

invade the pristine grassland/heathland to the S and E if unchecked. We found 3 major clumps of 

Nodding Greenhood close to the serious, blanket infestation of Sparaxis on the old track at 37-09- 

05.2/141-51-43.8. This was a “new” species for this reserve – it could not survive Sparaxis invasion. 

3.2 S of River Tk adjacent to Road Closure point on the River Tk (37-09-04.2/141-51-46.4) – bad infestation 

of Sparaxis, Phalaris, Wild Gladiolus and a few Cape Tulip near the log piles - sprayed. 

3.3 Several infestations along River Tk to the Melaleuca neglecta swamp – severe and extensive infestation 

of Sparaxis (with some Cape Tulip) at the 1 st watercourse. Unless checked, this area now extending 20- 

30 m S of the River Tk, will infest the whole wetland area. There will be some loss of Poa Tussocks form 

this, and future, spraying because the weed has invaded this area and intimately associated itself with 

many of the tussock plants. 

3.4 E of 1 st Diversion Tk to S, at ~50 m S of River Tk in the M. negelecta patch by a River red Gum on a 

bulldozed firebreak (37-09-07.7/141-52-01.6) – a patch of Cape Tulip, sprayed. 

3.5 A small patch of Cape Tulip ~40 m E from 3.4 (37-09-07.0/141-52-03.0) – sprayed 

3.6 Another small patch of Cape Tulip further S (37-09-08.3/141-52-02.9) – sprayed 

3.7 Another small patch of Cape Tulip further S (37-09-09.2/141-52-03.3) – sprayed 

3.8 At branching of 1 st Diversion Tk (37-09-09.8/141-52-11.4) – ~12 active African Weed Orchids (new 

leaves), and Sparaxis on the track, sprayed. 

3.9 Along the N branch of 1 st Diversion Tk (37-09-09.0/141-52-10.9) – bad infestation of Sparaxis on both 

sides of this old track, extending for ~40 m to the bulldozed fire trail. Sprayed. 

3.10 Along the bulldozed fire-line, ~20 m to the E of N branch of 1 st Diversion Tk (37-09-08.1/141-52-12.6) – 

a few Sparaxis shifted there by the bulldozer, sprayed. 

3.11 Dirt pile on E branch of the 1 st Diversion Tk (37-09-08.7/141-52-13.1) – a few Sparaxis, sprayed. 

3.12 Further E on E branch of the 1 st Diversion Tk (37-09-08.1/141-52-13.9) – a small patch of Cape Tulip and 

Sparaxis, sprayed. 

3.13 Along River Tk between Melaleuca swamp and Diversion Tk (37-09-04.3/141-52-11.7) – Sparaxis on the 

track, not sprayed. 

3.14 Just E of the 2 nd waterway (37-09-06.7/141-52-16.1) – patch of Sparaxis on the track. 

3.15 Along River Tk (37-09-00.3/141-52-39.1) – large patch of Cape Tulip, sprayed. 

3.16 Along River Tk (37-09-00.7/141-52-41.1) – African Weed Orchid, ~ 10 plants but no new leaves, 

sprayed. 

3.17 2 nd waterway, a few Cape Tulip along the edges of this ~70-m section of River Tk, sprayed. This section 

of track needs to be elevated with road fill to keep motorists on the track. 

3.18 River Tk (37-08-58.9/141-52-46.5) – a sizable patch of Cape Tulip, sprayed. 

3.19 River Tk (37-08-59.9/141-52-46.6) – another patch of Cape Tulip, sprayed. 

19

3.20 River Tk E side of burned Melaleuca, near track (37-09-05.9/141-51-56.9) – Cape Tulip, not sprayed (?). 

3.21 River Tk (37-09-00.1/141-52-47.3) – a large patch of Sparaxis, partly sprayed. 

3.22 River Tk, on the E of bog hole (37-08-58.5/141-52-47.9) – patches Cape Tulip sprayed both sides track. 

3.23 River Tk (37-08-57.0/141-52-52.5) on and off the track around old spray area – patches of Cape Tulip 

3.24 River Tk, 10 m S of 3.21 (37-08-57.6/141-52-52.8) – small patch of Cape Tulip. 

3.25 River Tk at intersection with E end of 2 nd Diversion Tk (37-08-55.4/141-52-58.5) – patch of Sparaxis on 

the track, sprayed. 

3.26 River Tk near 3 d watercourse, ~ 40 m S of track (37-08-54.5/141-53-02.8) – a large infestation on this 

saline flat, partly sprayed. 

3.27 2 nd Diversion Tk, towards E end near a large River Red Gum (37-08-56.8/141-52-58.4) and an area 20 m 

E – small patches of Cape Tulip, apparently not sprayed. 

4. E along the bulldozed fire-line from it‟s intersection with Entrance Tk (37-09-25.7/141-51-27.9) to 

Edgewood Rd 

There were isolated plants of Cape Tulip located all along this ad hoc fire trail. Sprayed. These would 

have been the result of corms transferred from Entrance Tk by the bulldozer. 

5. Edgewood Rd E from Reserve Entrance 

5.1 At ~0.9 km near left hand bend – Cape Tulip (~12 plants) ~ 40 m from road (37-09-56.2/141-51-57.8), 

plus another small patch near the road ~90 m further east (near the Telstra post), sprayed. 

5.2 At 1.7 km (37-09-57.0/141-52-31.9) – 2 small patches of Cape Tulip near bulldozed area with large trees, 

~400 m W of shed on opposite side of the road, sprayed. 

5.3 At ~1.9 km, another patch of Cape Tulip, sprayed. 

5.4 At ~2.25 km (37-09-55.0/141-52-52.2), a small patch of Cape Tulip W from the culvert and ~80 m into 

the reserve. A large area of Sparaxis closer to the road, on the same line, sprayed. 

5.5 Edgewood Rd (37-09-57.3/141-52-07.6) – Sparaxis, Phalaris and Cocksfoot on the roadside, sprayed 

5.6 Near spoon drain, 25 m W of white post at 37-09-57.3/141-53-01.9 – 3 Cape Tulip plants, sprayed 

6. N-S Boundary Tk from Edgewood Rd to the corner turn east 

6.1 At a small W-flowing creek ~0.65 km along N-S Boundary Tk from Edgewood Rd (37-09-48.5/141-53- 

17) – a few Cape Tulip sprayed. 

6.2 Another W-flowing watercourse at ~1.2 km on the Boundary Tk (37-09-18.9/141-53-19.3) down the 

creek ~400 m to a pool where 2 channels converge (37-03-14.1/141-53-12.5) – Cape Tulip – many dense 

patches and much Phalaris/Cocksfoot, sprayed. 

6.3 At 1.4 km, ~100 m W from Boundary Tk and above the creek – African Weed Orchid, no leaves visible. 

6.4 A small patch of Cape Tulip along the Boundary Tk (37-09-46.5/141-53-19.5) and into the bush, sprayed. 

6.5 North of W-flowing creek tributary (37-09-02.1/141-53-17.9) near a big stump and log – a few Cape 

Tulip plants, sprayed. 

6.6 Another small patch Cape Tulip sprayed 20 m E of above location, near a medium-sized River Red Gum. 

7. Creek at Edgewood Rd that runs N-S through the reserve (with 2 streams from the E, off N-S Boundary Tk) 

7.1 Down the creek ~100 m (37-09-50.7/141-52-58.1) – small patch of Cape Tulip, sprayed. 

7.2 Down the creek further (37-09-45.4/141-53-02.2) – small patch of Cape Tulip. Sprayed. 

7.3 Down the creek further (37-09-49.9/141-53-00.2) – small patch of Cape Tulip, sprayed. 

7.4 Down the creek further, near large fire-blackened stump (37-09-46.8/141-53-01.3) – small patch of Cape 

Tulip, sprayed. 

7.5 Down the creek further on at an S-bend (37-03-41.9/141-53-05.6) – small patch of Cape Tulip, sprayed. 

7.6 Just downstream from junction with tributary from the east (37-09-29.2/141-53-15.0) – small patch of 

Cape Tulip, sprayed. 

7.7 Downstream near bulldozed firebreak crossing the creek (37-09-09.0/141-53-10.9) – 4 small patches of 

Cape Tulip in gully just upstream, both sides – sprayed. 

7.8 Downstream ~200 m from stream firebreak crossing (37-09-05.7/141-53-08.0) – small patch Cape Tulip. 

7.9 Further downstream on W side of creek (367-09-04.0/141-53-08.8) – dense infestation of Cape Tulip. 

7.10 Further downstream on E side of creek (37-09-02.5/141-53-09.8) – small patch of Cape Tulip, sprayed 

7.11 Downstream on W side of creek, near confluence with E tributary (37-09-01.6/141-53-09.8) – 6 m 2 patch 

of Sparaxis and small spots of Wild Gladiolus. 

7.12 Intersection of creek with River Tk culvert/drain (37-08-53.4/141-53-10.3) – a few Cape Tulip 20 m SE, 

sprayed. This location marks the NE boundary of our sprayed area. 

7.13 N side of E watercourse (37-03-01.7/141-53-13.9) that runs from Boundary Tk, ~ 200 m from corner turn 

– patch of Cape Tulip ~ 80 m upstream from confluence with main creek, sprayed. Two more spots 

upstream cited above (6.6 & 6.7). 

7.14 S side of the W-flowing creek tributary (37-03-04.4/141-53-17.0) near a big tree – a few Cape Tulip. 

7.15 S side, ~ 40 m further W – a few Cape Tulip by a log, sprayed. 

7.16 S side, some 250 m from boundary corner – ~ 16 African Weed Orchids ~50 m W from the fence (37-09- 

05.9/141-53-17.3) – about a dozen plants sprayed but no visible leaves present 

7.17 S side, further S near Lightwoods (37-09-04.8/141-53-13.4) – medium-sized patch Cape Tulip, sprayed. 

7.18 S side ~50 m from junction with main creek (37-09-02.5/141-53-12.0) – 3 plants of Cape Tulip, sprayed. 

20


PO Box 591 

Hamilton 

Vic 3300 20 October 2007 


Summary 

Activities – the HFNC (11 members) spent 83 person-hours from 13-16 Sept. and 20 Sept. 2007 spraying 

pest and environmental weeds on floristically-rich parts of the western half of the Fulham Streamside 

Reserve. We did not spot-spray any weeds beyond a few metres north of the River Track because that part 

between river and track is so infested with Sparaxis, or so degraded by past broad-scale spraying for Cape 

Tulip, that unfortunately it would largely be futile. 

Herbicides used – metsulfuron methyl (Ally) and glyphosate (Roundup), together with a surfactant (Pulse) 

and dye marker (purple). Weeds were, wherever practicable, carefully spot-sprayed to achieve little offtarget 

deaths. The objective is to allow adjacent native species to re-colonise the small areas sprayed. We 

are convinced that is the only way to restore the area to its previous botanic composition and health. 

Weeds controlled – One-leaf Cape Tulip, Halequin Flower, African Weed Orchid, Wild Gladiolus, Bridal 

Creeper, Perennial Veldt Grass, Toowoomba Canary-grass, Cocksfoot, Yorkshire Fog & Spear Thistle. 

Locations of weed hotspots – most were marked by GPS, to enable follow-up work in later years. 

African Weed Orchid – we saw no plants, possibly because we were too early (some plants have flowered 

on the rail reserve west of S Reeds Rd near the Wannon in mid-October this year) 

Harlequin Flower – the degree of infestation from Sparaxis was greatly reduced in areas spot-sprayed in 

2006 but we found many other sites of infestation not sprayed in 2006. Our first efforts went to further 

work in the sites tackled in 2006. Our efforts were then directed to “new” areas in the western half (see 

attached map). Principal among these were the western edge along the stream and old railway line; the 

area between the railway line and the main N-S Entrance Tk; a “new” heavily-infested section of the 

Melaleuca neglecta flat. 

Cape Tulip – this weed was present in numbers, almost all pre-flowering, usually associated with old 

tracks but also in discrete patches spread across the landscape. This weed, and that of Sparaxis, is readily 

spread by grader/bulldozer tracks and recreational vehicles, also from seed carried by the vehicles. 

River Track – we propose again that this track be improved (there are several sites that could be made 

trafficable by building up with sand or gravel) to allow all-year traffic, rather than attempt a seasonal 

closure – unsupervised closures and absence of fines ensure that signs will always be ignored by 4WD 

drivers accustomed to doing as they please. 

Iluka‟s new bore track – we were dismayed that Iluka was allowed to install a track into the central part of 

the reserve, thereby ensuring that this area will also be invaded by weeds. Surely a bore could have been 

sited at a more appropriate position adjacent to an existing track where it would not have compromised the 

botanic integrity of this reserve? We are alarmed that ParksVictoria did not stress the importance of this 

area as a biological reserve. We understand that Iluka has undertaken to cease driving on the track but 

others are doing so out of curiosity and unless the track is permanently closed off and rehabilitated the 

damage will increase. 

Western-most loop track south off the River Track – we recommend this be permanently closed because it 

is a danger to the long-term integrity of the vegetation in these valuable marsh areas. We spent much time 

spot-spraying infestations of Sparaxis along and adjacent to this loop track. If the River Track is open 

there is no reason for the other track to remain open. 

Off-road recreational vehicles constitute a danger to the reserve, through spreading weeds, cutting up 

fragile areas and risking the spread of Phytophtora. We observed signs of significant vehicle damage 

adjacent to the Entrance Track, just short of the River Track, where a vehicle had ploughed along an old 

closed-off track, passing through Sparaxis and one of the 3 known clumps of Pterostylis nutans in the 

reserve. Signs are needed to remind drivers of their responsibilities. Is it possible to also provide some 

strategic barriers? 

Status of the reserve – if this reserve had the status of Flora & Fauna Reserve would that enable more 

funding to be available to manage and protect it? Since more than 320 native species have now been 

found on this reserve, with several rare and endangered, we believe that status is deserved (at least for the 

portion south of the River Track). HFNC is prepared to advance a case, possibly through VEAC, if that 

would help. 

Birds seen – 50 species, including “ new” birds in Flame Robin, Rufous Songlark and Powerful Owl, bringing 

the total to 96 for this area (see Table 2). 

Mammals – Eastern Grey Kangaroo (Macropus giganteus) & Black Wallaby (Wallabia bicolor) seen. 

Flora – one „new‟ species (Variable Groundsel) was recorded, the total of native species on record being 324. 

21

Works undertaken in September 2007 

From 13-16 Sept. 2007 and 20 Sept. 2007 at the Fulham Streamside Reserve, members of Hamilton Field 

Naturalists Club located and sprayed the noxious and environmental weeds listed below:Moraea flaccida (One- 

leaf Cape Tulip): 

Sparaxis bulbifera (Halequin Flower) 

Disa bracteata (South African Orchid) 





22 




Ehrharta calycina (Perennial Veldt Grass) 

The SW Block – from entrance at Edgewood Rd, running 1.4 km N along Entrance Tk to the junction 

with the W track that runs to the old railway bridge, and S along the railway line and creek from 37-09- 

15.4/141-51-17.5 to the Edgewood Rd. This area was heavily infested with Sparaxis and Cape Tulip on the 

W edge (the railway area), with many patches near old tracks through the reserve. The edge of Entrance Tk 

was treated in 2006 and again this year. 

The NW Block – the area N of the track at 1.45 km from the entrance (37-09-13.8/141-51-34.0) W to 

the river frontage at the most southerly bend, then running N and including all areas W of the Entrance Tk 

and river as far as the road closure point on the River Tk (37-09-04.2/141-51-46.4). It has some Cape Tulip, 

Sparaxis, Perennial Veldt Grass and Bridal Creeper but also patches of Red-Beak Orchids. 

The Central Block – large area E of the Entrance Tk from Edgewood Rd (37-09-56.4/141-51-23.2) N to 

the river, thence E beyond the newly closed section of the old River Tk to its junction with the diversion 

loop at 37-08-54.8/141-52-59.2, with the area S of the River Tk (especially the Melaleuca neglecta swamps) 

being treated for many infestations of Sparaxis, Wild Gladiolus, Cape Tulip and Phalaris. We were only 

able to survey and treat the margins (approx. 200 m wide) of this large area and more effort is needed in 

future years to survey and eliminate any patches of Cape Tulip that may exist in the central parts. 

The precise location (GPS latitude/longitude co-ordinates on Aust 84 datum) of the infestations are listed 

below, so that these areas can be re-located next year for follow-up treatment. 

2. The SW Block 

2.1 In 2006 an extensive, severe infestation of Sparaxis and the odd Cape Tulip („CT‟) occurred along an old 

track, extending 150 m N and 50 m S of the bulldozed fire line. At the S end, this infestation was ~30 m 

W of the Entrance Tk but largely confined to and near the old (disused) track. These plants were sprayed 

in 2006 but the area needed further close attention in 2007 for the plants had invaded native vegetation. 

Sparaxis along the Entrance Tk N was much reduced from 2006. 

2.2 From the junction with the W Tk at 1.4 km, many patches of Sparaxis and CT were found S of the West 

Tk towards the old railway bridge. 

2.3 “Parking Area” at 37-09-15.4/141-51-17.5, where the West Tk turns N along the railway line to the 

bridge. This area was blanket-sprayed in years past and new CT given somewhat similar treatment 

recently. Many plants were missed altogether and it is doubtful whether all those sprayed were actually 

hit by the spray, since they appeared to be relatively undamaged compared with others. We sprayed 

along the line N to the bridge and in the area W and S of the old fence line at the parking spot. 

2.4 Big tree E of creek ~ 100 m from 1.3 (37-09-19.1/141-51-19.6) – big patch of CT. 

2.5 Area E of 1.3 ~150 m (37-09-18.1/141-51-20.8) – clumps of CT. 

2.6 W End of fire break (37-09-20.6/141-51-18.3) that runs E to Entrance Tk – an extensive outbreak of 

Sparaxis and CT on the track and off it. 

2.7 Area in line with River Red Gum cut for sleepers, E ~ 100 m out from S along creek (37-09-22.3/141-51- 

19.9) – small patch of CT. 

2.8 W of 2 cut trees at 37-09-23.1/141-51-18.8) – area of ~5 m 2 of Sparaxis. 

2.9 Patch of Sparaxis on old track ~ 50 m E of Site 1.8 (37-09-23.6/141-51-21.2). 

2.10 ~ 100 m S of 1.8 (37-09-25.1/141-51-19.0) – area of ~5 m 2 

2.11 Between big trees N up railway line (37-09-32.1/141-51-19.7) – patch of CT. 

2.12 Near big cut River Red Gum (37-09-23/141-51-20.9) and ~70 m S to another cut tree and a patch of CT. 

2.13 Along the railway line at 37-09-26.0/141-51-18 – this was the S end of Sparaxis infestation along the 

creek and railway line but CT continued sporadically further S. We sprayed from that point N down the 

creek towards the bridge (1.3) but the infestation was extensive and some damage to other plants is 

inevitable. 

2.14 Further S along old railway line at 37-09-31.3/141-51-18.4 – patches of CT off to E and on the line (good 

patch of Spider Orchids off to the E). 

2.15 N of orchid places, ~100 m from railway line, at 37-09-30.1/141-51-21.6 – patch of CT. 

2.16 Several patches of CT ~100 m from Entrance Tk at 37-09-30.0/141-51-23.4 

2.17 Sparaxis ~25 m 2 on an old track ~125 m E from railway line (37-09-25.9/141-51-21.3). 

2.18 Further S along railway line to a pipe under railway line (37-09-32.1/141-51-19.7) – patch of CT.

6. The NW Block 

No particular GPS readings were taken in this area – we sprayed many isolated plants of Bridal Creeper 

(particularly among trees and shrubs near the river in the N section), Wild Gladiolus and clumps of pasture 

weeds. CT and Sparaxis were present in the S end along the river. 

7. The Central Block 

7.1 N side of River Tk from end of Entrance Tk to Chain Lock on River Track – Sparaxis along the bank. 

7.2 S side of River Tk to Chain Lock on River Tk – Sparaxis, Cocksfoot and Phalaris clumps. 

7.3 Patch of CT ~ 70 m SW of Chain Lock at 37-09-06.0/141-51-44.3 – this site rutted recently by a 4WD. 

7.4 Along River Tk to Melaleuca Flat – main area of CT (~100 plants) started at 37-09-06.3/141-51-49.4. 

7.5 Near new drain running N to river, near edge of Melaleuca Flat 37-09-05.9/141-51-54.4 – patch of ~50 

CT 

7.6 Corner of old Loop Tk that skirts the W edge of main boggy area of Melaleuca Flat (37-09-05.9/141-51- 

56.8) – 100s of Sparaxis along old track and off the edges, with 4-5 patches of CT ~50 m S in the 

melaleuca. 

7.7 E edge of Melaleuca Flat at 37-09-04.8/141-52-04.2 – a big patch of CT and Sparaxis near the River Tk 

and along the old track S along the E edge of the swamp (see also Site 3.19) 

7.8 Between 3.6 & 3.7 a lot of Sparaxis in Poa tussocks and on the saline flat spreading out from the River 

Tk. This area messed up by 4WDs and a bulldozer putting in a drain off the track. Big holes here in the 

track. Ally without glyphosate used among the tussocks, in an effort to retain the grass. 

7.9 E edge of Melaleuca Flat 37-09-10.9/141-51-59.2, ~100 m x 50 m of CT in the sedge. 

7.10 Further E, edge of Melaleuca Flat in sedge and bare saline area 37-09-11.7/141-52-00.9 

7.11 A large patch of CT (~40 m2) and 3-4 other patches to N 

7.12 A small patch of Sparaxis & CT ~40 m (37-09-11.1/141-52-01.4) from 2 nd Diversion Tk 

7.13 2 nd Diversion Tk from River Tk – Sparaxis & CT – small spot ~2 m2 on edge of Tk on W side at 37-09- 

11.7/141-52-03.7 and a large patch of CT 20 m SW. Also, 3-4 small patches of Sparaxis (2 ~1 m 2 & 1 

m 2 ) along the W edge of the Tk further S. 

7.14 S side of Diversion Tk at 37-09-13.6/141-52-05.8, an area of Sparaxis 20 m x 3 m. This outbreak needs a 

particular watch. 

7.15 Rubbish heap in an old tree at 37-09-0.7.6/141-52-11.9. A few Sparaxis nearby on bulldozed Tk. 

7.16 N end of bulldozed fire line at 37-09-08/141-52-10.3 on SE end of Melaleuca Flat – a large area ~10 m x 

3 m of Sparaxis there. Much of the bare area here appears to be due to past blanket-spraying of CT 

and not salinity. 

7.17 E side of Melaleuca Flat ~ 250 m S from River Tk at 37-09-07.6/141-52-09.8. This was an area of some 

50 m x 30 m and a very significant infestation of Sparaxis and some CT in 6-8 patches of 2-3 m 2 . 

7.18 E side of Melaleuca Flat near an old River Red Gum stump (37-09-06.4/141-52-06.7) ~ 100 m S of River 

Tk – an area of 25 m2 CT. Some individuals further along an old track N towards River Tk. 

7.19 E edge of Melaleuca Flat on River Tk at 37-09-05.1/141-52-04.3, ~20 m E of the culvert. Used Ally 

alone at this spot to spray Sparaxis among the tussocks in the margin along the E flank of the swamp. 

7.20 On 2 nd creek, on the now blocked section of the River Rd (37-08-59.1/141-52-45.5) – 2 patches of CT on 

N side and Sparaxis on the track and on N side. A patch of Sparaxis of ~10 m x 6 m occur on S side plus 

2 patches of CT ~15 m S of the track, E of the creek. 

7.21 2 patches of CT each side of the log across the track at 37-08-58.3/141-52-48.4, ~70 m E of 3.20. 

7.22 A patch of CT on N side of track at 37-08-57.4/141-52-49.5,~70 m E of 3.21. 

7.23 Further E on the track, a large patch of CT on S of track at 37-08-57.4/141-52-52.2. This is an area of old 

blanket-spray that has obliterated other vegetation. Another area of CT occurs near a trench and big old 

stump and several patches of CT further S. 

7.24 Junction of close part of old River Tk with diversion now being the new part of the River Tk (37-08- 

54.8/141-52-59.2) – sprayed Sparaxis on N edge of this junction. 

We had no time to check areas further E along River Track, to the culvert at 37-08-53.4/141-53-10.3, the eastern 

end of the area we checked in 2006. Nor did we check the creek and its tributaries running from Edgewood Rd 

through the reserve to this point on the River Track. Also, the areas noted along Edgewood Rd were not checked 

in 2007. These areas, detailed in the 2006 report, need to be checked in 2008 in order to mop up remaining 

plants. 

Works 

Thursday 13 Sept 2007 – RB 6 hr 

Friday 14 Sept 2007 – RB 4 hr 

Saturday 15 Sept 2007 – RB 7 hr; RZ & DL each 6 hr; JX, JC & GC each 6 hr; KG, JG, JH, DM & LM each 5hr 

Sunday 16 Sept 2007 – RB, RZ, DL, JX, JC, GC each 3 hr 

Thurs 20 Sept 2007 – RB 8 hr 

Total 83 hours 

Chemicals 

Spray applied Thurs 20 L, Fri 20 L, Sat ~75L, Sun ~30 L, Thurs 15 L = 160 L 

Glyphosate 240 mL, Ally 48 g, Pulse 480 mL, colour dye 640 mL. 

23


24 

PO Box 591 

Hamilton 3300 

20 October 2008 


Summary 

Activities – the HFNC (6 members) spent 72 person-hours from 12-14 Sept. 2008 spraying pest and 

environmental weeds on floristically-rich parts of the western half of the Fulham Streamside Reserve. We 

did not spot-spray any weeds beyond a few metres north of the River Track because that part between 

river and track is so infested with Sparaxis, or so degraded by past broad-scale spraying for Cape Tulip, 

that unfortunately it would appear to be futile or beyond our ability to handle. 

Herbicides used – metsulfuron methyl (Ally) with a surfactant (Pulse) and dye marker (purple) – except for 

areas infested with Cocksfoot or Phalaris, Glyphosate was not used because it would also kill Tussock and 

other native grasses. Weeds were, wherever practicable, carefully spot-sprayed to achieve little off-target 

deaths. In addition, two operators used tongs fitted with herbicide pads to deliver a more concentrated 

herbicide solution to pest plant leaves without contacting other vegetation. The objective of both spotspraying 

and herbicide wiping is to allow adjacent native species to re-colonise the small areas treated. 

We are convinced that is the only way to restore the area to its previous botanic composition and health. 

Weeds controlled – One-leaf Cape Tulip, Halequin Flower, Wild Gladiolus, Toowoomba Canary-grass, 

Cocksfoot, Yorkshire Fog-grass and Spear Thistle. 

Locations of weed hotspots – most were marked by GPS, to enable follow-up work in later years. 

African Weed Orchid – we saw no plants. 

Harlequin Flower – the degree of infestation from Sparaxis was greatly reduced in areas spot-sprayed in 

2007 but we found a major site of infestation not sprayed in 2006 or 2007 near the eastern edge of the 

western half of this reserve (adjacent to the N-S stream that flows from Edgewood Rd). The area along 

and adjacent to the railway line that was heavily infested with Sparaxis in 2007 was treated again, but this 

time only hundreds of plants were found rather than tens of thousands. The treatment of the Melaleuca 

neglecta flats area in 2006 had greatly reduced the presence of Sparaxis, and we found much fewer plants 

this year. 

Cape Tulip – this weed was present in appreciable numbers, all pre-flowering, usually associated with old 

tracks but also in discrete patches spread across the landscape. This weed, and that of Sparaxis, is readily 

spread by grader/bulldozer tracks and recreational vehicles, presumably also from seed carried by the 

vehicles. 

River Track – we propose again that this track be improved (there are several sites that could be made 

trafficable by building up with sand or gravel) to allow all-year traffic, rather than attempt a seasonal 

closure – unsupervised closures and absence of fines ensure that signs will always be ignored by 4WD 

drivers accustomed to doing as they please. 

Iluka‟s new bore track – we were pleased to see that the Iluka bore track that runs east off the entrance 

road was not in use, and that will prevent weeds being spread into the heart of this reserve. 

Western-most loop track south off the River Track – this track is a danger to the long-term integrity of the 

vegetation in these valuable marsh areas. We spent much time spot-spraying infestations of Sparaxis 

along and adjacent to this loop track. If the River Track is open there is no reason for the other track to 

remain open. We were dismayed to see that recent vehicle tracks were evident along this section, despite 

the closed road sign. It was also evident that at least part of this activity was associated with inspections 

of the bores that are present in that area. Vehicles had driven off the track across the vegetation at both 

bores, whereas they had only a few metres to walk from the track without doing any physical damage or 

spreading weed seeds. It will be impossible to eradicate weeds if this damage is allowed to continue. 

Off-road recreational vehicles constitute a danger to the reserve, through spreading weed seeds in mud 

adhering to tyres or seed carried elsewhere on the vehicles, cutting up fragile areas and risking the spread 

of Phytophtora. Signs are needed to remind drivers of their responsibilities. 

Status of the reserve – this reserve needs the status of Flora & Fauna Reserve, since 323 native species 

have now been found on this reserve, with several rare and endangered species 

Birds – 63 species were seen, including “ new” birds in White-throated Gerygone, Australasian Shoveler, Blackfronted 

Dotterel, Black-tailed Native Hen, Brown Goshawk, Little Raven, Tawny Frogmouth and White-winged 

Triller (see Table 2). 

Mammals – Eastern Grey Kangaroo (Macropus giganteus), Red-necked Wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus) & 

Black Wallaby (Wallabia bicolor) seen. We also saw 3 Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) in the main 

Fulham Pool, our first sightings of this species here. Echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) diggings were also 

evident.

Flora – only one new species was recorded, a single plant of Carpobrotus modestus (Inland Pigface) along N-C 

creek, with the total of native species 325. We found more plants of Templetonia stenophylla this year – this is 

an unusual plant for this region. 

Works undertaken in 2008 

From 12-14 Sept. 2008 at the Fulham Streamside Reserve, members of Hamilton Field Naturalists Club located 

and sprayed the noxious and environmental weeds listed below: 


Sparaxis bulbifera (Halequin Flower) 







The SW Block – from entrance at Edgewood Rd, running 1.4 km N along Entrance Tk to the junction with 

the W track that runs to the old railway bridge, and S along the railway line and creek from 37-09-15.4/141- 

51-17.5 to the Edgewood Rd. This area was lightly infested with Sparaxis and Cape Tulip on the W edge 

(the railway area), compared with extensive infestation treated in 2007. 

The NW Block – the area N of the track at 1.45 km from the entrance (37-09-13.8/141-51-34.0) W to the 

river and including all areas W of the Entrance Tk and river as far as the road closure point on the River Tk 

(37-09-04.2/141-51-46.4). This year we also treated the river frontage at and west from the most southerly 

river loop (camp areas) to the old railway bridge. We concentrated on the area south from the crossing of 

the major creek line that runs across to the old bridge. It had considerable infestation of Cape Tulip. (There 

is an area of floodplain north of that creek that follows the Glenelg River that was not treated). 

The Central Block – large area E of the Entrance Tk from Edgewood Rd (37-09-56.4/141-51-23.2) N to the 

river, thence E beyond the newly closed section of the old River Tk to its junction with the diversion loop at 

37-08-54.8/141-52-59.2, with the area S of the River Tk (especially the Melaleuca neglecta swamps) being 

treated for many infestations of Sparaxis, Wild Gladiolus, Cape Tulip and Phalaris. Sparaxis here was much 

reduced from treatment in 2006, and all plants were very small (possibly new germinants). We were 

disappointed to find off-track incursions of vehicles, apparently visiting the 2 bores in that area. 

The Eastern Block – we checked the area further east along River Track, to the culvert at 37-08-53.4/141- 

53-10.3, the eastern end of the area we checked in 2006, and about 100 m further E to a small drainage line 

crossing the track at 37-08-55.6/141-53-14.8. From there we followed the drainage line to the corner post of 

the reserve, where the East Boundary Track (to Edgewood Rd) turns east, and spot-sprayed Cape Tulip there 

and on the 3 drainage lines that run down from the track to the N-S creek that runs from Edgewood Rd. The 

boggy creek (3 d Creek) had several infestations of Sparaxis (near 37-09-05.3/141-53-17.3), with further 

infestations on the N-S creek and a wet areas further west at 37-09-00/141-53-09. Many large patches of 

Cape Tulip were also treated throughout the area. We checked the 2 nd Drainage line, finding Cape Tulip at 

the intersection with N-S creek (37-09-17/141-53-15), but not the 1 st drainage line (nearest Edgewood Rd), 

and followed down the N-S creek to the River Track. 

A large area of Sparaxis infestation was found in a very wet area some 100 m west and 200 m south of the 

main culvert at 37-08-53.4/141-53-10.3. We treated the drier, smaller parts but left an area 100 m x 30 m 

that was too wet and extensive for us to treat. That area needs to be treated with a blanket-spray of Ally and 

Pulse (not Glyphosate) to control the Sparaxis without affecting tussock and other grasses. 

Works 

Friday 12 Sept 2008 – RB 8 hr 

Saturday 13 Sept 2008 – RB 9 hr; RZ 9 hr, DL 7 hr; YI 7 hr, KG 5.5 hr, JG 5.5 hr 

Sunday 14 Sept 2008 – RB 9 hr, RZ 5.5 hr, YI 5 hr, DL 7.5 hr 

Total 72 hours 

Chemicals 

Spray applied, Fri 30 L, Sat 80 L, Sun 40 L = 160 L 

Glyphosate 60 mL, Ally 64 g, Pulse 800 mL, colour 640 mL. 

25

Environmental spray areas on the western part of Fulham Streamside Reserve (2006-2008) 

River Tk 

River Tk 

Old Rail Bridge 

26 

Entry Tk East 

East Boundary Tk 

Balmoral Rd 

Edgewood Rd 

Entry Tk West


PO Box 591 

Hamilton 3300 

27 


Report on Weed Control Work at the Fulham Streamside Reserve in Sept.-Oct. 2009 

Summary 

Activities – the HFNC (7 members) spent 82 hours on 11 & 18-20 Sept. and 8 Oct. 2009 treating 

environmental weeds on floristically-rich parts of the western half of the Fulham Streamside Reserve, 

south of the River Track to Edgewood Rd. The areas treated are shown on the attached map. 

Application of herbicides –– except for a few areas near the River Rd infested with Cocksfoot or Phalaris, 

where Glyphosate was used to spot-spray individual plants. Sparaxis plants were carefully spot-sprayed 

with Ally solution (metsulfuron methyl with Pulse as a surfactant and a dye marker) to minimise off-target 

deaths of other lily plants and woody vegetation. Cape Tulip plants were mostly individually treated with 

Ally using tongs fitted with herbicide pads to deliver a more concentrated herbicide solution without 

contacting other vegetation. The objective of both spot-spraying and herbicide wiping is to allow 

adjacent native species to re-colonise the small areas treated. Our experience, and observations of work 

by other operators here, demonstrate that spraying Cape Tulip is not effective in killing all the plants (the 

spray misses or does not wet the target) and it cause extensive losses of adjacent non-target species. 

Walking the site and wiping individual plants is the only way to remove all of the Cape Tulip plants, to 

restore the area to its previous botanic composition and health. 

Sparaxis (Harlequin Flower) – the degree of infestation from Sparaxis was further reduced in areas spotsprayed 

in 2007 but significant infestations still remain, including along a former part of the Entry Tk 

where hundreds of small plants were treated. Another source was a 75 m stretch along an old track west 

of Entry Tk (at 37-09-27.4/141-51-24.7). The major site of infestation found in 2008 (but not treated 

then) in the salt marsh near the N-S Ck was treated with Ally + Pulse as a blanket spray. Spot-spraying 

was not possible here, owing to the density of plants in the 70 m x 10 m area. The area along the creek 

adjacent to the railway line was treated again, with only hundreds of plants seen rather than thousands. 

This year we also concentrated on Sparaxis along Edgewood Rd, down N-S Ck and into the salt marsh 

adjacent to River Tk. 

Cape Tulip – this weed was present in appreciable numbers, mostly pre-flowering, often associated with 

old tracks but also in discrete small spots of a few plants (sometimes several dozen) at random across the 

landscape. We treated thousands of plants along Edgewood Rd, East Boundary Tk and down N-S Ck and 

tributaries 1-3 into the salt marsh adjacent to River Tk. Walking is the only way to detect all plants. 

We were dismayed to see that Cape Tulip had been sprayed by an operator using a vehicle and/or 4-wheel 

motor cycle in part of the eastern “salt marsh” area that we were treating. Apart from the collateral 

damage to adjacent plants (killing all vegetation in an area at least 30 cm radius around each Tulip plant) 

many plants were unaffected by the spray and others nearby had not been treated at all. We had to treat 

those plants. There is little point HFNC working to protect and restore the area if inappropriate practices 

continue – over many years those practices have created most of the extensive patches of so-called saline 

areas in the marsh, where the diversity of native plants has been drastically reduced. This is a part of the 

reserve that supported a large population of Yam Daisy, Thelymitra antennifera, native lilies & other 

grassland species. 

River Track – while the blockade at each end of this Winter Closure section seems to have reduced illegal 

usage some vehicles have driven around the blockage and created off-road damage there. Vehicles have 

also engaged in some destructive “circle work” in the salt marsh area in the eastern part of this block (SE 

of the eastern loop in the River Tk). While the “Seasonal Road Closure” notes in the information box 

asks drivers to respect the “road closure” rules, most of the 4WD drivers who indulge in those activities 

would not bother to take the note or to read it. A more immediate reminder is needed, with signs along 

the River Tk requesting vehicles to stay on the road: 

o to allow restoration of the degraded sections of the salt marsh 

o to prevent transfer of weeds and disease into the reserve. 

Western-most loop track south off the River Track – this track is a danger to the long-term integrity of 

these valuable marsh areas and should be closed and the adjacent River Tk in this section needs to be 

improved. 

Off-road recreational vehicles constitute a constant danger to the reserve, spreading weed seeds in mud in 

tyre treads or carried elsewhere on the vehicles, crushing vegetation, cutting up fragile areas and risking 

the spread of Phytophthora. Signs are needed to remind drivers of their responsibilities. 

Camping – camping in the bush W of the Entry Tk at the river is a serious threat to that special area. 

Birds – 43 species seen (Powerful Owls heard), incl. a „new‟ bird in Blue-winged Parrot (total now 110 species). 

Mammals – 3 Echidna (one dead), Hare (3) & rabbit (2, on Edgewood Rd) 

Reptiles – Bearded Dragon (1, near Edgewood Rd) & Shingleback (many). 

Flora –.a new orchid for the reserve, Caladenia pusilla, near the River Tk (total native flora now 324 species).

Works undertaken in 2009 

On 11 September, 18-20 September and 8 October 2009 at the Fulham Streamside Reserve, members of 

Hamilton Field Naturalists Club located and sprayed the noxious and environmental weeds listed below: 


Sparaxis bulbifera (Harlequin Flower) 






The Edgewood Rd margin – worked from Entry Sign (0 km) E along the Edgewood Rd, ~ 200 m into the 

reserve. Treated Sparaxis (Sprx) & Cape Tulip (CT) at the entry, and 50 m E among C. carnea. At 0.35 km 

a host of P. nutans. At 0.85 km a hot spot of Sprx on S of rd. At 0.9 km CT & Sprx (~ 30 plants on N side). 

At 1.8 km a few CT near rd (near a Telstra post) and odd patches up to 200 m N. At 2.2 km a patch of ~ 100 

Sprx ~20 m W of creek & 20 m from rd. At 2.4 km a nice patch of Golden Moth orchids. A few Sprx at 2.9 

km (cnr of Boundary Tk) and also ~ 50 m W. One patch of Sprx seen later (untreated) on S side of road. 

The East Boundary Track - a small patch of CT just W of Tk. at 3.0 km from Entry and at 4.0 km (2 nd Ck) 

on track and on the seepage. At least 50 Morel fungi were seen on S side of 2 nd Ck (37-09-18.0/141-53- 

17.5). Three small spots of CT on track between 2 nd Ck & 3 d Ck. At 4.5 km (3 d Ck), several spots of CT 

near track and W on both sides of the wet area down to N-S Ck. 

N-S Creek – there were a few CT from Edgewood Rd (2.2 km) to junction with 1 st Ck, especially where a 

fire trail crossed. Also a few Cootamundra Wattles in the creek (large trees not poisoned). From 1 st Ck to 2 nd 

Ck there was a patch of Sprx at 37-09-20.3/141-53-14.4), about 70 m S of 2 nd Ck jn. Also many 100s of CT 

along entire section, especially on W side. From 2 nd Ck to 3 d Ck junction there were 100s of CT. From 3 d 

Ck to River Tk there were also 100s of CT, with many more extending W on the Marsh. A few Sprx were 

found on W side of N-S Ck (at 37-09-05/141-53-17), a spot treated in 2006 below the jn, but none thereafter 

along the creek down to the culvert on the River Tk (at 37-08-53.4/141-53-10.3). 

Along railway line, SW part of block – this area was lightly infested with Sprx & CT on the W edge (the 

railway area), compared with extensive infestation treated in 2007. However, several hundred very small 

Sprx plants were found and treated (10 L spray), some extending out of the drainage line into the heathland. 

Strip adjacent to track from Entryto river – both sides from Entry at Edgewood Rd (37-09-04.2/141-51 

46.4). Isolated CT and Sprx were treated. A previous hotspot on the W side contained several hundred tiny 

Sprx, stretching along the old track on both sides of the bulldozed fireline that crosses the Entry track. Some 

6 L spray applied - the Sprz eradication will result in the loss of a few heath plants. Attention will be needed 

again in 2010. A further area of infestation was found on another old track some 70 m W of the Entry Tk. 

The N edge was at 37-09-27.4/141-51-24.7, extending 75 m S into acacias. This required 13 L spot-spray. 

River area from main camp on river downstream to second bend – this most southerly bend is a camping 

spot. CT, Bridal Creeper & Phalaris treated in this “peninsula”. The sandy soils support a tree that has 

affinities with Desert Stringybark (E. arenacea). The area contains a good regeneration of Desert Banksia 

(B. ornata) and Silver Banksia (B. marginata), along with Redbeak Orchid and other species. There is an 

unfortunate expansion of camping across the track from the main site that threatens to devalue the flora of 

this important area and allow weeds to penetrate the reserve. Signs are needed to restrict camping to the strip 

between the track and the river. 

Area from south bend downstream to a creek and down that creek to Railway Bridge – this area is 

heavily infested with pasture grasses and CT. The area extends across to the track that runs west from Entry 

Track to the Bridge (CT treated). The remaining area between the creek and the river was not treated. 

The NW river area from the gate on River Rd downstream to the main camp – the gate is at 37-09- 

04.2/141-51-46.4. The treated area includes the area S of the River Tk that has Nodding Greenhoods, 

amongst Sprx, that was rutted by off-road vehicles and has received treatment before. The area was treated 

again to mop up Sprx - Phalaris was sprayed. Some Sprx remains between the River Tk and the river here. 

The Central Marsh area – E beyond the winter-closed section of the River Tk (at 37-09-04.2/141-51-46.4) 

to the diversion loop junction at 37-09-05.9/141-51-56.8, then to the E edge of the marsh (37-09-04.8/141- 

52-04.2), with the Melaleuca neglecta marsh being treated for many infestations of Sprx, Wild Gladiolus & 

CTs. Sprx was reduced from treatment in 2008, and all plants were very small (possibly new germinants). 

The Eastern Marsh area– on 8 Oct. we sprayed the large area of Sprx in very wet marsh some 100 m W & 

200 m S of the culvert at 37-08-53.4/141-53-10.3. The periphery was spot-sprayed in 2008, reducing the 

area to be sprayed this year from 100 m x 30 m to about 75 m x 10 m. The area was pegged with red tape 

markers. A blanket-spray of 30 L of Ally and Pulse spray was applied to eliminate Sprx without affecting 

tussock and other grasses. The NE corner is at 37-08-57.8/141-53-06.3. Many hundreds of CT were wiped 

across the entire marsh. As stated in the Summary, we were disappointed to see our efforts to restore this 

important marsh compromised by another agent operating in the same area and using inappropriate methods 

(see attached photos of the area). Odd small spots of Sprx were found across the marsh (e.g. 37-08-58.6/141- 

52-58.8). Larger areas were located at near the River Tk at 37-08-54/141-53-03(partly treated) and at 37-09- 

05.9/141-52-58.2 (near S end of the marsh). 

Works 

Friday 11 Sept. – RB & DL each 6 hr; Friday 18 Sept. – RB & DL each 6.6 hr; Thursday 8 Oct – RB 10 hr 

Saturday 19 Sept. – RB 5.2 hr, DL 4.5 hr; JC, GC, RZ & YI each 4 hr, HT 3 hr 

Sunday 20 Sept. – RB 5.3 hr, DL 3.5 hr, JC & GC each 2 hr, RZ & YI each 3 hr 

28

30 

Fulham Oct 2009, eastern marsh in 

the western block, near the River Tk 

– area sprayed by an unknown 

operator from a 4-wheel bike. Note 

area of vegetation affected this year 

and in past years 


the western block, 200 m south of the 

River Tk – area sprayed by an 

unknown operator from a 4-wheel 

bike. Note area of vegetation 

affected this year (purple) and in past 

years (the area devoid of mcuh 

vegetation) 


the western block, 200 m south of the 

River Tk – area sprayed by an 

unknown operator from a 4-wheel 

bike. Note the collateral damage to 

vegetation (purple) in spraying the 

Cape Tulip plants. This approach 

should not be used.


PO Box 591 

Hamilton, Victoria 3300 

31 


Report on Weed Control Work at the Fulham Streamside Reserve in Sept.-Oct. 2010 

SUMMARY 

Activities – between 17 September to 20 October the HFNC spent 66 hours treating Cape Tulip (CT), 

Sparaxis bulbifera (SB) and some other environmental weeds on the floristically-rich part of the 

western half of the Fulham Streamside Reserve. We worked along the Entry Track to the river (from 

about 100 m to the east of Entry Track west to the railway line). We treated the western area (shown 

on the attached map), except for two areas: 

(1) the mid- and southern part of the degraded area between the river and the second major 

watercourse that runs from the river to the old railway bridge crossing 

(2) the strip between the western boundary and the railway embankment. 

We also treated CT on a strip along East Boundary Track to Boggy Creek, near the corner of the 

western block, and the southern side of Boggy Creek down to N-S creek. 

This year we adopted a different approach. After an initial foray in mid-September to treat the 

sensitive sites on the western end of the reserve we returned to the same sites 3 weeks later to “mop 

up” any SB and CT missed, those that had germinated since, or those that had been lying in water. 

That approach was vindicated upon inspection on our October visits when, despite great care being 

taken in September, it was apparent that many plants had been missed. A flower also reveals patches 

of the weed in more remote areas not visited before. That was particularly useful for detecting isolated 

outbreaks of SB. 

We observed that contractors had also failed to treat almost as many CT as they had sprayed on the 

area towards the old railway bridge – and that many of the plants in their sprayed spots were alive and 

in flower. We re-treated most of the plants on either side of the track between the first and second 

watercourse but had no time to go further south in that area where the ineffectiveness of the spraying 

practice is still obvious. Spraying does not eliminate CT and it creates a huge amount of bare ground. 

We recommend that the herbicide-wiping method be used in future for CT control. That ensures that 

each plant is killed, it minimises ancillary damage to other vegetation, and it gives some hope that CT 

can be eliminated. The tool that we adapted (by fitting small pads to the rubber cups) is a “Pick up – 

Reaching Tool” obtained from The Reject Shop (imported by TRS Trading Group, 245 Racecourse 

Rd, Kensington, Vic 3031). The tool has a pistol grip and is cheap ($3), lightweight, strong, easy to 

use and very effective since both sides of the leaf are contacted. Contractors and volunteers could use 

this tool (see photo). 

Application of herbicides – Sparaxis plants in the dense areas of infestation were spot-sprayed with a 

solution of Metsulfuron methyl (3 g/10 L)), Glyphosate (150 mL/10 L), Pulse surfactant (50 mL/10 L) 

and a red vegetable dye marker (40 mL/10 L). 

In all other cases SB and CT plants were individually wiped with a more concentrated herbicide 

solution (Metsulfuron methyl, 3 g/3 L, Glyphosate 150 mL/3 L, surfactant 15 mL/3 L, dye 10 mL/3 L) 

using a tool (described above) to deliver herbicide to pest plant leaves without contacting other 

vegetation. 

The objective of both spot-spraying and herbicide wiping is to allow adjacent native species to recolonise 

the small areas treated. Herbicide-wiping individual plants is the only way to remove all of 

the CT and to restore the area to its previous botanic composition and health. 

Harlequin Flower (Sparaxis bulbifera) SB – The aim is to eventually eradicate SB from the 

floristically important area south of the River Track and in the far western part of the reserve. To

achieve that we need to prevent any SB from seeding and there must be a defensible “boundary” to 

work from. Fortunately, SB does not appear to spread long distances from wind-born seed, thus a road 

or water channel may constitute a boundary. The plants appear to spread slowly from near the parent 

plant and from seed or corms spread by soil-moving machinery and in the tyres of other vehicles. 

Thus there is a need to check for new SB appearing along the tracks. There is also an urgent need to 

close any unwanted tracks and to discourage off-track driving. In the absence of that the present 

efforts to eradicate SB may be a waste of time. 

The presence of flowers on some plants in our October visit was very useful in locating minor sources 

of infestation. We plucked off the flowers before wiping the plants with herbicide. That practice was 

intended to minimise any seed-set and, hopefully, increase the take-up of herbicide by the corm. 

The degree of infestation from SB was much reduced in areas treated in 2009 but significant 

infestations remain, resulting from germination of seed held in the soil over many years. This year 

other major sites of infestation were found in the area west of Entry Track, mostly associated with old 

tracks. 

Cape Tulip (Moraea flaccida) CT – this weed was present in appreciable numbers, mostly preflowering, 

often associated with old tracks but also in discrete small spots of a few plants (sometimes 

several dozen) at random across the landscape. We treated tens of thousands of CT this year and the 

lethal effect of the herbicide-wiping method was seen on our visit 3 weeks later. We saw, also, how 

easy it is to miss some CT, especially those very small. We generally removed any flowers and heads 

on the larger plants to prevent seed from developing and being released. 

CT appears to flower only when several years old, dying back to the basal corm each year. CT seeds 

prolifically and “spots” across the reserve, with a cluster of new seedlings developing there over time. 

CT is also found along the tracks, no doubt spread by vehicles, the ultimate source of the outbreaks in 

the southern parts of the reserve. We are hopeful that, with increased vigilance in detection of CT and 

better control of off-track vehicles, the pest can be reduced to very low levels. However, there will 

always be a need for monitoring and treatment of CT across the reserve. 

Other weeds – Bridal Creeper (Asparagus asparagoides), Wild Gladiolus, Cocksfoot, Phalaris, 

Thistle. These were treated when encountered, the Bridal Creeper being seen only in the NW 

promontory. One large bush of African Boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum) was found near the Entry 

Track and one Sweet Briar (Rosa rubigiosa) off the E-W Bridge Track. 

African Weed Orchid (Disa bracteata)(AWO) was seen on the SW boundary area, on the western side 

of the Railway Embankment and on the eastern side of the embankment. The area of private land 

adjoining has CT, SB and AWO, therefore there may be little point in trying to rid the strip of reserve 

between the boundary and railway embankment of these weeds. Hopefully, the embankment will be a 

buffer. 

Birds – 60 species seen or heard (Southern Boobook), including 5 „new‟ birds: Little Black 

Cormorant, Crested Pigeon, Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater, Red-tailed Black-cockatoo (4 seen in Brown 

Stringybarks) and Little Eagle (total now 115 species). 

Mammals – 2 Hares, 20 Grey Kangaroos, 1 Red-necked Wallaby and 1 Black Wallaby were seen in 

the SW section. A Platypus was seen in the river and there were many Echidna diggings. 

Flora – a prolific flowering of Thelymitra rubra was noted west of Entry Track, along with Pterostylis 

nutans in the treated area near the river (total native flora remains at 324 species). 

Other matters – whilst working on the damp heathland west of Entry Track a party of about 30 horses 

and their riders rode across the heathland from the direction of the SW corner. Since the soil was quite 

damp, boggy in places, it seemed a most inappropriate action. I suggested that they ought to consider 

keeping to the recognized tracks, to avoid spreading weeds, pugging the soils and trampling the 

vegetation. The party did move on to the Entry Track. Continued contamination of this reserve by 

off-track vehicles and horses will render much of any work on weed eradication of little long-term 

value. Some signage is needed to advise drivers/riders to keep to the designated tracks, in order to 

prevent spreading of weeds, disease and destruction of the native vegetation. 

32

DETAIL OF WORKS UNDERTAKEN IN 2010 

Areas treated 

(1) The East Boundary Track (EBT) north off Edgewood Rd on the Western Block 

A few CT were treated 100 m from Edgewood Rd and a few along the track to the 3 d Creek (Boggy 

Creek) at 37-09-19/141-53-19, near the corner of the western block. There were ~300 plants from 

near EBT and west of the wet area down to N-S Ck. 

(2) Strip adjacent to track from Entry to Glenelg River (Fulham Pool) 

Both sides from Entry at Edgewood Rd (37-09-56.4/141-51 23.2) were inspected, up to 150 m both 

sides of the track. Isolated CT and many small patches of a few dozen CT were treated by herbicide 

wiping. The SB at the entrance and west along the Edgewood Rd towards the creek were similarly 

treated. 

(3) Old track to the west that is adjacent to Entry Track, about 0.9 km from Edgewood Rd 

A previous line on the west side contained several hundred tiny SB, stretching for some 200 m along 

two old tracks that were crossed in 2005 by the E-W bulldozed fire line over Entry track, 0.9 km from 

Edgewood Rd (37-09-25.7/141-51-27.9). The N edge was at 37-09-29.7/141-51-24.6, just south of the 

clump of A. paradoxa. Extensive spot-spraying was needed in 2009, because of the density of SB, but 

the resulting damage to non-target species was not severe. We herbicide-wiped at least a thousand 

small SB in September this year and followed up in October with a further 350 plants too small to be 

seen in September. There were also about 20 SB in flower in spots away from the main line of 

infestation – the flowers were removed and the plants, and any adjacent, treated. These SB would not 

have been detected had there been no flowers. 

(4) The NW river area from the gate on River Rd downstream to the main camp 

The gate is at 37-09-04.2/141-51-46.4. The treated area includes the area south of the River Tk that 

contains Nodding Greenhoods, amongst SB, that was rutted by off-road vehicles and has received 

previous treatment. The area was treated again to mop up SB, many dozens of plants being treated. 

Areas previously treated now contain many Nodding Greenhood. 

(5) River area from main camp on river downstream to second bend camp area – this is the most 

southerly bend. Bridal Creeper was treated in the “peninsula”, several plants being found. CT was 

found on both sides of the track approaching the camp area at the second bend. Prolific Wild 

Gladiolus and a few SB were found at the bend. 

(6) From second bend camp to second watercourse crossing downstream – we concentrated on the 

area between the river, the first watercourse and the E-W Track to the old railway bridge crossing. 

Few SB were seen in the northern half (one spot near the creek) but there was a moderate infestation 

of CT throughout the area. We also herbicide-wiped many live CT on both side of the track leading 

from the first watercourse to the second (and major) watercourse crossing. Contractors had apparently 

sprayed some CT there (and on the east side of the first watercourse) but with poor success, as many 

were still green and in flower. Others had not been treated (see comments above on this unsatisfactory 

situation). We had no time to treat the remainder of this area between the two watercourses. While 

most of it has been degraded by past spraying, now carrying mostly exotic grasses, it remains a potent 

source of CT infection for the heathland to the south. We would hope to treat the area in 2011. 

(7) From junction of E-W Track and Entry Track (37-09-13.8/141-51-34.0, 1.45 km from 

Edgewood Rd) the area adjacent on both sides west to the old Railway Bridge crossing – CT was 

distributed in large numbers randomly throughout the area but the major sites of SB infestation were 

found in the areas listed below: 

a) North side of the E-W Bridge Track, wet area about half way to the cleared “parking place” (37- 

09-15.4/141-51-17.5) that lies about 100 m east of the embankment. Of the 10 patches of SB 

sprayed in October the most westerly patch is at 37-09-15/141-51-22. The patches vary in area 

from 2 to 50 m 2 . These patches were very heavily infested with SB and only outlier plants 

could be herbicide-wiped. The aim is to eliminate SB from this site, to prevent it invading the 

pristine damp heathland to the south and west. Some short-medium term loss of other 

vegetation will result but the alternative (do nothing) will see the entire area dominated by SB 

with loss of most of the native ground flora. Remnant SB will be herbicide-wiped in future 

years, allowing the native flora to re-colonise the sites. 

33

) South side of the E-W Bridge Track, opposite the western end of (a), beginning near the trackside 

post in the boggy section (27-09-15.1/141-51-24.9). The partly flooded areas here were 

spot-sprayed in September (where not flooded) or in October. There are about a dozen patches 

of serious infestation (from 2 m 2 to 20 m 2 ) in this area of about 100 m x 100 m. These were 

treated as in (a). 

c) North of (a) by about 100 m, near a large River Red Gum (RRG) – a patch 4 m x 3 m (37-09- 

15.1/141-51-24.9). 

d) South of (a) by about 100 m, around the base of a large RRG – a patch 4 m x 2 m (37-09- 

18.5/141-51-26.3). This appears to be the only isolated infestation not associated with an old 

track (or current track) or not in a wet area. Its presence was revealed by white flowers on 

several plants. 

(8) Central area west of the entry Track and south of the track to the Bridge 

e) South of (b) by about 200 m, with RRG and a dead Bulloak around the small patch on an old 

track (37-09-21.1/141-51-23.3). 

f) SW central area on an old track about 100 m south of a large log and stump (37-09-24.2/141- 

51-23.1) – a patch of about 4 m 2 . 

g) A small patch 40 m due west of (f) on an old track, about 70 m south of the large log and stump. 

h) Same area, south of the bend on E-W Bridge Track (37-09-16.7/141-51-24.6) – several small 

areas of heavy infestation of SB. These were either herbicide-wiped or spot-sprayed. CT also 

adjacent. 

(9) East of the watercourse that is adjacent to the railway embankment 

i) On an old track near the watercourse that runs close to the railway line – this site (37-09- 

19.5/141-51-17.5) contained a few dozen SB and many CT nearby, all of which were herbicidewiped. 

j) Near the largest River Red Gum in the area near (i) – this site (5 m x 3m) required spraying, 

because of the density of SB. CT also occurred nearby in numbers. 

k) 70 m south of area (j) at 37-09-17.4/141-51-21.2 – a small area (3 m x 2 m) of dense SB that 

required spraying. CT also nearby. 

(10) Watercourse adjacent to the east side of the railway embankment 

The area in the watercourse (on the margins of the pools) was lightly infested with SB and moderately 

infested with CT. Several dozen very small SB were found on the west side of the drainage line 

adjacent to the Melaleuca decussata that lines the drainage line. A few SB (and many CT) were found 

on the heathland margin at the top end of the pool, in the same spot as in previous years (37-09- 

26.0/141-51-18). 

(11) Area between the railway embankment and the adjoining freehold, SW end 

Parts are heavily infested with CT and SB (particularly dense under A. paradoxa). The CT were 

treated but SB was so dense as to require spraying, which time did not permit. The SB on section of 

about 250 m above the Bridge is heavily infested with SB and this has not been treated this year or 

previously. That situation should be reviewed, since it is a potent potential source of reinfection of the 

block across the embankment to the east. Action may, however, result in the loss of some of the 

Melaleuca. About 10 AWO plants were also found and pulled. Unless action is taken on the freehold 

land then re-infestation is certain. If no action is forthcoming there then it may be pointless trying to 

control these weeds on this strip. 

Works 

Friday 17 Sept. – RB & DL each 4 hr; 

Saturday 18 Sept. – RB 8 hr, DL 7 hr 

Sunday 20 Sept. – RB 4 hr, DL 3 hr, DM & LM each 1.5 hr 

Monday 11 Oct. – RB & DL each 7.5 hr 

Tuesday 19 Oct – RB 8.5 hr 

Wednesday 20 Oct – RB 9.5 hr 

Total = 66 hrs 

34

Herbicide-wiping tool 

The tool that we adapted (by fitting small pads cut from kitchen sponges to the rubber cups) is a “Pick up 

– Reaching Tool” obtained from The Reject Shop (imported by TRS Trading Group, 245 Racecourse Rd, 

Kensington, Vic 3031). ). We fixed the pads to the cups with a thick wool thread, after drilling 4 holes 

near the edge of the rubber cups. The pads are then trimmed to size and shape. 

The tool has a pistol grip and trigger to operate the jaws. It is cheap ($3), lightweight, strong, easy to use 

and very effective since both sides of the leaf or stem are contacted. No bending is required and many 

thousand plants can be treated quickly without strain to the back or hands. The tool can also be used to 

dab the leaves of garden escapees such as Oxalis purpurea. 

The pads are dipped into a container that holds the herbicide-wetter-dye mixture. We use plastic 

containers that originally held produce (honey or rice), obtained from supermarkets. The opening of the 

container need not be great but must allow the pads to be inserted (use the trigger to press the pads 

together to allow this, then releasing the trigger to allow the springs to enter). We attach the lid to the 

container by a cord so that it can be closed for transport. 

Sparaxis and Cape Tulip plants are individually wiped with a concentrated herbicide solution 

(Metsulfuron methyl, 1 g/ L, Glyphosate 50 mL/ L, surfactant 5 mL/ L, dye 5 mL/ L) using this tool to 

deliver herbicide to the pest plant without contacting other vegetation. Glyphosate may be left out if the 

situation is such that the chemical cannot be used (no Chemical Users Permit is needed for Metsulfuron 

Methyl) or if there are certain species (e.g. most native grasses) that would be affected. Glyphosate might 

also kill the top of the bulbous species without being translocated to the bulbs. 

The objective of herbicide-wiping is to kill all of the pest plants without killing adjacent native species. 

Broad-scale spraying of Cape Tulip cannot do that. Nor does it actually kill all of the Cape Tulip plants in 

the spray area because these plants are difficult to hit with spray and the stem/leaf surface does not wet 

easily. However, all of the native species are killed, thus creating a vast amount of bare ground that grows 

only Cape Tulip and other weeds in the following year. Note that solutions of Metsulfuron methyl will 

probably be inactive if stored more than a day, so only prepare a small volume (e.g. 1 L) for immediate 

use. 

36

To: 


Victorian Environmental Assessment Council 

Level 6, 8 Nicholson St, 

East Melbourne, Victoria 3002 

PO Box 591, Hamilton, Victoria, 3300 

hamiltonfnc@live.com.au 

Re. Remnant Native Vegetation Investigation 

37 

1 May 2009 

FULHAM STREAMSIDE RESERVE – our submission relates to this 860-ha reserve that adjoins 

the Glenelg River and disused Hamilton-Natimuk Railway Reserve, 10 km north of Balmoral, in SW 

Victoria. 

In 1982 the Land Conservation Council recommended the area be reserved as the Kanagulk 

Streamside Reserve. HFNC submits that the status of Streamside Reserve was inappropriate then, and 

now, and does not confer the status nor protection that the area deserves. AC Beauglehole and HFNC 

has listed 110 species of bird in and 325 native species of flora in the reserve, with some outstanding 

rarities and isolates, such as Melaleuca neglecta, Callitris gracillis and Triodia bunicola (see attached 

report by HFNC Oct 2008). 

The reserve could be a prime high-value conservation linkage for Habitat 141 between Mt Arapiles- 

Little Youngs Forest-Grampians by way of the railway reserves that pass through to Wannon River 

and beyond. It provides a repository of flora and fauna species of considerable consequence for 

connectivity. 

This reserve (Dundas Tableland bordering on Wimmera Plains) is a fantastic place with varied habitats 

from river flats, wetlands, plains woodlands to heathy woodlands (see attached DSE Ecological 

Vegetation Class map), with a high proportion of the reserve covered by EVCs classes rated as 

“endangered”, “vulnerable” or “depleted” (see attached DSE Bioregional Conservation Status map). 

The reserve desperately needs more money spent on tracks, vehicle control, people control and weed 

control. Details of problems and threats in the reserve are given in the HFNC Oct 2008 report). In 

brief: 

the weeds Sparaxis bulbifera and Cape Tulip, in particular, pose an enormous threat, aggravated 

by past indiscriminate broad-scale spraying of Cape Tulip that denuded large areas while not 

being very effective in controlling the target species 

off-road vehicles scar the land, damage the flora and transfer weeds into the botanically rich 

heathland 

there is inadequate supervision of users and signage to indicate values and appropriate usage. 

funds are not available to provide an all-weather track along the river for fishermen, sight-seers 

and 4WD enthusiasts. This results in off-road detours that degrade the surrounds and carries 

Sparaxis into new areas, rendering past efforts at weed control futile (this weed has the potential 

to dominate the entire reserve, as occurs in much of the roadsides in this region of SW Victoria – 

the infestation along the river is extensive and now beginning to advance away into the 

botanically-rich heathland adjoining).

the lowly status of the reserve does not encourage anyone to enjoy without spoiling. This 

criticism extends to DPI personnel who monitor the bores in the area. They insist on driving 

along tracks signed-posted as being closed in winter, and then off the tracks to the bores, instead 

of walking the few metres required. Bores were also permitted to be installed in a pristine part of 

the heathland by Iluka (Mineral Sands), despite the certainty that continued traffic thereafter (by 

staff and curious visitors) would allow Sparaxis and Cape Tulip ingress to the heart of the 

reserve. 

HFNC proposes that the reserve be upgraded to Flora & Fauna Reserve or State Park, to give it 

better protection from recreational enthusiasts, to provide better environmental management, and to 

ensure that it can exist as a valuable flora reserve and contribute substantially to ecological 

connectivity in the future. 

Yours faithfully 

Dr PR Bird 

Secretary, 

Hamilton Field Naturalists Club 

[Postscript – VEAC delivered its Final Report in March 2011 (see www.veac.gov.au). While offering many 

suggestions as to how ecological connectivity might be improved across fragmented landscapes (with a major 

emphasis on road and railway reserves), VEAC did not propose any amendments to public land use to improve 

the security and management of biodiversity on individual reserves and sites. VEACV acknowledged the 

significant past and on-going decline in biodiversity, and that retaining existing habitat is the key factor affecting 

the process of change. We consider that the failure to propose amendments to upgrade the status and 

management of significant existing reserves, such as Fulham, is regrettable since they are the key links in any 

plans for sustaining native biota across currently degraded public and private lands]. 

38

Fulham Streamside Reserve - Indigenous Flora and Fauna ...

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